Parents, kids - not just schools - must do their part

Thanks to Prof Fry for raising our awareness of the links between the health of our workforce and country’s productivity and making the case for schools to do their jobs in educating kids to take care of themselves in terms of healthy diet and exercise.

I just want to add that schools also need help from parents and society. Kids should be required to help around the house, doing chores like sweeping and mopping the floors, working as an assistant in the kitchen, doing the dishes, laundry and ironing, gardening if there is one to tend to. At the appropriate level and warm atmosphere, these activities are not drudgery but a form of useful exercise as well as opportunities to accept some responsibilities. This would also help building strong families, which are building blocks of a healthy and vibrant nation.

As for the food and beverage industries, I accept that they are in the business for making money but they should embrace what is now known as CSR or corporate social responsibility. While enticing customers to enjoy their products, it is possible to serve drinks or foods in smaller sizes, given the fact that Thai people have smaller physical build. Use less harmful fat, sugar, and salt.

The good news is that we are constantly encouraged to eat the proverbial five nutritional groups of food on a daily basis. Moreover we are also bombarded with a Thai slogan: Five Aw’s: Aw 1- right food, Aw-2: fresh air, Aw-3: good temperament, Aw-4: exercise and Aw-5: good bowel movement.

With all the information available to our school kids or the general populace for that matter, it is up to them to lead the kind of life that would not become a burden to themselves and others.

Surapon Vatanavigkit

Bangkok