Building healthy and active young generation

Caring for children's health today is an investment in the future quality of human resources and the sustainable development of Dong Nai and the country as a whole.

From ensuring proper nutrition and food safety to encouraging regular physical activity, schools across the city are laying the foundation for children's comprehensive development, helping shape a healthy, active, and creative young generation ready to contribute to the development of their hometown and country.

Students at Bui Thi Xuan Primary, Secondary and High School attend a swimming lesson at the school.

Building healthy habits through physical activity

Playing sports, swimming, and taking part in physical activities not only give students a chance to relax after long hours of study but also help them develop regular exercise habits, improve fitness, and build endurance.

Nguyen Bao Khang, a fifth-grade student at Nguyen An Ninh Primary School in Tam Hiep ward, said he often plays badminton with his friends during recess and after school. He also plays basketball three times a week at Quang Truong Park. “I feel happy and refreshed after playing sports,” he said.

Hoang Thi Ngoc, Principal of Nguyen An Ninh Primary School, said the school has a football field and regularly organizes sports and physical education activities to encourage students to exercise and improve their health. Regular physical activity not only makes students healthier but also helps them learn more effectively.

At the preschool level, Nguyen Thi Quynh Nhu, Vice Principal of Tan Phong 2 Preschool in Tan Trieu ward, said the school places particular emphasis on children's physical development. The school has mobilized resources from the community to build a physical development area featuring a variety of activities, from simple to more challenging games, to promote children's comprehensive development.

According to Pham Hong Thang, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Education and Training, as part of the nationwide health check-up campaign, the department has instructed high schools to compile student numbers so that regular health check-ups can be organized at the beginning of the next school year. For preschools, primary and lower-secondary schools, communes, and wards will directly compile student numbers and organize health check-ups for the students.

Meanwhile, Bui Thi Xuan Primary, Secondary and High School in Tam Hiep ward, one of the schools with the largest student populations in Dong Nai, has invested in multi-purpose sports facilities, a swimming pool and various sports clubs, giving students opportunities to participate in football, volleyball, basketball, badminton, swimming, and other activities.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc, an 11th-grade student, said badminton is her favorite sport because it helps improve her health and promotes physical growth. She added that playing sports after stressful lessons helps her relieve pressure, improve her endurance, and gain more motivation to study.

Tran Anh Nhat, a 12th-grade student at Nguyen Huu Canh High School in Long Hung ward, is particularly fond of table tennis. He said table tennis not only keeps his body agile but also helps improve his reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and mental alertness.

Experts say regular physical activity improves blood circulation, promotes musculoskeletal development, and enhances cardiovascular and respiratory functions. It also stimulates the release of hormones that promote feelings of well-being. Children who get enough physical activity tend to sleep better, concentrate more effectively, and are less likely to develop infections, while also developing an active lifestyle from an early age. The World Health Organization recommends that children and adolescents aged 5-17 engage in an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per day.

Proper nutrition supports healthy growth

Alongside physical activity, a balanced and nutritious diet is essential. It is considered a key factor in children's physical and intellectual development and long-term health.

At the school kitchen of Bui Thi Xuan School, more than 4,000 meals are prepared each day for students, teachers, and staff. The kitchen is also one of Dong Nai's model facilities for food safety. The school follows a one-way food processing system, sources food from traceable suppliers, and regularly changes its menus to ensure balanced nutrition while making meals more appealing to students.

Students at Bui Thi Xuan School have lunch at school. Photo: Hanh Dung

Pham Thi Ngoc Ly, Principal of Bui Thi Xuan School, said all ingredients are sourced under contracts with reputable suppliers to ensure quality and food safety. Meals are nutritionally balanced in terms of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to meet students' developmental needs.

At Lac Hong Bilingual Primary, Secondary and High School in Tran Bien ward, Principal Hoang Thi Diem Trang said the school pays close attention to both the nutritional balance of student meals and strict food safety controls. Menus are varied and tailored to different age groups.

Dr. Nguyen Trong Nghia, Deputy Director of Dong Nai Children's Hospital, said ensuring an adequate intake of four major food groups: protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and minerals, helps children absorb nutrients more effectively. He also recommended limiting fast food, carbonated soft drinks, foods high in salt and saturated fats, as these can increase the risk of overweight and obesity as well as non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

Experts say that schools alone cannot ensure children's good health. Close coordination with families is also essential. Families should help children develop healthy eating habits, limit screen time, encourage outdoor activities, and maintain regular physical activity as part of their daily routines.

By H. Dung – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho