A healthy nation starts with its children

Let’s try and make Anguilla a healthier nation. Hypertension and diabetes is on the rise in Anguilla.

We have all heard stories of how the older Anguillans lived longer and healthier. Why? They got exercise by working the land. They ate what they grew, what came from the sea or from animals raised in Anguilla. There were no hormones injected into their foods. There were no sodas or juices containing a lot of sugar. Mostly they drank water. There weren’t many cars, so they walked.

Today we start our children off with juice or juice drinks high in sugar thereby already creating their desire for sugar. Our children live off chicken and chips.

Start young

Let’s begin to have a healthier nation by starting with our children. Early food experiences will have an impact on eating patterns and habits in adult life.

A healthy diet for young people is important. Why?

• It improves their concentration
• It contributes to their learning and behavior
• It builds up strength and provides energy
• It promotes resistance to infection
• It also establishes a healthy eating pattern that will last them a lifetime
• It decreases the chance of obesity

What should they be eating?

• Low fat or non-dairy products
• Poultry without the skin
• Fish
• Lean cuts of meat
• Whole grain breads and cereals
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Less salt and sugar in their foods
• They should be encouraged to drink water

We all know that everyone has a treat at times, but let’s not allow the treats to be everyday occurrences. We don’t want a nation with high obesity rates, high rates of diabetes which could lead to dialysis, high rates of hypertension which could lead to strokes. Let’s begin to make our nation healthier one child at a time!