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UPDATE # 7
JUNK
FOOD , TELEVISION , COMPUTER ……… WE HAVE IT ALL !
(
duniya meri mutthi
mein )
STYLISH
& WESTERN
– DO WE WANT IT SO ?
e
may be appearing to be going at a tangent from the previous Updates.There
might be an undercurrent of philosophy,sociology to the medical write
up.However, we all may agree that this issue is getting quite a problem.We
as health professionals are rather concerned about the medical aspects of
obesity,eyesight issues and the like.We are even more concerned about their
social ramifications.
Interestingly,
the younger generation of our children is born in a glittering World and you
as parents have almost all to provide them.Ask for it – Presto, here it
is.The present mind boggling global exposure they have was not ours in our
times.I do not recall the concept of ‘getting bored’ while I was a
child.At the same time there was so very little apart from the
bicycle,school,novels,sports and some friends.
India
Today – TV,Internet,telephone,cell phone,computer,home delivery of goods
and goodies………….and yet there is this NEW concept of ‘getting
bored’.
What
it is gradually and imperceptibly doing is:
-
a creeping in
of isolation………’ duniya meri aankhon ke saamne’
-
preference to
stay indoors when it is the age to be up and about and frolic with
Nature
-
steady
hammering of commercials, their unrealistic claims,their lure and a
consequent desire by the child to have it.The real product may not
eventually turn out to “ smashing” – frustration builds up.Do we
note that through this gradual process the young impressionable mind is
developing a lack of faith,skepticism !
-
lack of
interest in regular ( standard home food ) food. Then,logically enough,
sneak in the potato wafers, the crunchies, the heavily advertised soft
heavenly softy drinks…….
-
lack of
interest in reading story books,fiction and other textual matter that
enriches the imagination and generates an urge to know more.
Whatever
we have outlined here is nothing unique or new but I suspect each parent
shares our concern.
What
worries me especially is that these are temptations that I myself can not
resist.With what moral conviction and inherent strength do I try to impose
what is wrong and what is right ? I invite your suggestions on it.
What
I can make out of the whole scenario is :
1.
I can not put an
absolute NO to it
2.
My family and I
myself do not actually get the time to spend with the young one/s.Hence we
often ‘allow’ these indulgences as ‘ if a child shall not have
these,who else shall’.Escapism ?
So
it makes me sit back and think – what after all is so wrong with “junk
food”.
May
we begin with a working definition of Junk Food. It is so named since it
contains ‘empty calories’ and lots of starch. Empty calories are
calories alone , with virtually no other nutritive element ( protein,
fats,minerals etc ).These would naturally tend to add weight to the child
and later on fat.
No
wonder we Doctors are seeing a far larger number of overgrown,fluffy
children, often bespectacled too.Not at all a happy sight, not what we call
a ‘ healthy child’.
May
we next figure out what harm junk foods can cause :
1.
obesity
2.
the caffeine
content of fizzy soft drinks may cause irritability and restlessness
3.
dental problems
4.
constipation
Thus
we are clear that the balance is tipped against the consumption of junk food
– so we are convinced that we are not being ‘heartless’ in denying our
child these.
Once
I understand my incapability to ban it and I also understand the actual
background of junk food , I draw a plan of moderation – a path of least
resistance too !
I
divide the segment of children into two halves – I fear they will be
unequal halves !
For
the child who is active otherwise,plays and stays out of doors a goodish
length of time , I do not mind these – but in moderation.
For
the other child, who refuses to get into physical activity, I am concerned.
I have to be rather stern with him.I have to make him understand,and
understand well, that he can NOT afford all this so long as he is not
prepared to get more physically active.We are going to make a deal – it is
for him to understand and accept it.Trust me , if we spend time and explain
the matter tactfully he is bound to respect your suggestion.
We
also understand that calories coming
from these sources are warmly welcome as long as they are utilized.
After
having spent so much time on this issue , I guess what we have gathered is
that :
1.
path of moderation
2.
banning not
possible – not needed ( perhaps try and convince about a healthy selection
of food)
3.
dental hygiene
important ( rinse mouth after each adventure )
4.
eye hygiene very
important – view TV from atleast 20 feet distance
5.
some sittings on
our part as parents needed with the child where we explain and not reprimand
or make judgmental comments.A unilateral and didactic approach may not
work.Nor may our nostalgic sermons about “our times”.
I
realize my powerlessness.So, I feel when you can not beat it , okay
let him eat it.
And
then we offer some solutions / alternatives that satiate the urge for these
foods at the same time maintains some nutritive value.
OKAY
,LET’S DO IT YOUR WAY :
-
mixed
vegetable cutlet to replace potato cutlet
-
pao-bhaji,mixed
vegetable burger, mixed vegetable sandwich to take place of cheese
burgers,pizzas,potato sandwiches
-
green fresh
home made chutney to replace tomato ketchup
-
milk based
shakes, lemonade, fresh lime soda,buttermilk to wean off from fizzy soft
drinks,ice cream shakes,coffee etc.
-
South Indian
dishes like idli-sambhar,rasam,dosa to cut away
aloo-parantha,samosa,kachori,pakoras.
It
may also help if you try and make it a point to manage time such that the
whole family sits together for a proper meal.The role model shall help as it
will strengthen family bonding.And then, getting you with the thin edge of
the wedge – how about a family walk after dinner !
I
guess we have got a reasonable solution.
I
would warmly welcome your comments on this issue –
every family has its own circumstances and beliefs.Every family
evolves its own value systems.It pains me when I see mothers proudly
claiming intelligence of the child saying “ ask him any Channel and he
knows it…..he’s terrific at video games”.I hide my painful half smile
and compliment the mother and the child.
Your
input is what we learn from.And from this bilaterality evolves a scientific
approach to an issue.This then percolates as solution,knowledge,treatment
and benefit for all involved.
We
Doctors basically have
disease-centric minds and when we delve into social or philosophical issues
we tread on untried territory and thin ice. I hope I have not made any slip
somewhere down the line.Please excuse me if I have.
You
shall be hearing more from us.
till
then,happy parenting
Dr
Jindal and team Healthybaccha.com
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