Recent health statistics reveal a troubling decline in the overall well-being of Kerala's population.It is indeed an unfortunate paradox that one of the most developed states in India is suffering from a pandemic of lifestyle diseases. The increasing mechanisation of everyday life has definitely reduced physical activities that would otherwise have been the norm. A booming service sector and burgeoning consumer culture have further aggravated the health crisis.
One of the most high-risk habits catching up in the state is the consumption of junk food items. Global fast-food chains together with the umpteen number of eateries selling oil-fried / high calorie veg and non-veg items are some of the much sought after gastronomic hotspots across the state. The easy access to online food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato have further worsened the health indices.
Diet is a habit; hence designing 'Catch them young' campaigns in schools that conduct regular interactive sessions with students on healthy eating habits should be made mandatory. Kerala education department, in its rules on "Establishment & Maintenance of Schools", has prohibited the sale of liquor in close proximity to schools. This is an appreciable move that could be reimagined to include campaigns towards healthy eating habits. A similar format could be conceptualised to prevent the sale of junk food in shops near schools. While the right to start any business legally permitted in the country has to be protected, the future health of the society should also be seen as a priority. Active interventions of the state to curb sale of packet junk food in shops near schools is highly recommended. There has to be an auditing of the eatables on sale in shops close to schools. School canteens should be transformed into healthy eating hubs. Sale of bottled aerated drinks, packet snacks and fast food has to be legally curbed near educational institutions. Disrupting the routes of easy access to these food items and nurturing healthy eating habits during the formative years of one's life would go a long way in making a paradigm shift in the health profile of the state.
Workplaces also play a significant role in 'normalising' indulgence in unhealthy diet. The canteens in workplaces offer the option of 'without' tea/coffee. However, what are the options of snacks and beverages available in these outlets? The snacks for sale in canteens of public and private sector undertakings usually include vada, banana fritters (pazham pori) and sukhiyan. These are oil-fried and hence can worsen lifestyle diseases like diabetes, blood pressure and high cholesterol. The shortage or absence of healthy snacks is a major downside in these spaces.
Taking constructive steps to introduce healthier food items in the workplaces would go a long way in improving the health of the society. Moreover, the practice of distributing healthy snacks during official meetings should also be stipulated. This becomes a greater imperative for the public sector undertakings as they are funded through the public exchequer and hence cannot afford to directly or indirectly promote practices that lead to unhealthy human capital.
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