KÌåÓý

Recently, Dr. Hồ Thu Mai – Head of the Nutrition Department at KÌåÓý (HFH) – had an insightful and engaging session with students at The Olympia School, emphasizing the importance of a well-balanced diet for children's overall development.

According to Dr. Mai, nutritional imbalances among children are becoming increasingly concerning, with alarming rates of both malnutrition and obesity:

• 14.8% of children suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition.
• Micronutrient deficiencies among children under 5 (2020 study): 58% lack zinc, 9.5% lack vitamin A, and 19.6% suffer from anemia.
• 19% of children are overweight or obese, with urban areas reaching 26.8%.

A 2023 survey conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition on 5th-grade students in various districts of KÌåÓý revealed that 45-55% of students in urban areas were overweight or obese.

• Serious Consequences of Overweight and Obesity:
• Increased risk of hypertension: Over 50% of obese children aged 7 and above are at risk.
• Dyslipidemia: 35-50% of obese children have high levels of bad cholesterol.
• Diabetes: 77% of obese children are at high risk

Dr. Hồ Thu Mai emphasized that proper nutrition is the key to a child’s development – physically, intellectually, and mentally. Parents should combine a scientifically balanced diet with regular physical activity to ensure their child’s long-term health.

Dr. Mai’s 5 Golden Principles for Nutrition and Exercise:

1. Ensure all 4 essential nutrient groups in every meal:

• Protein-rich foods: Provide energy, regulate physiological activities, transport nutrients, and support cellular and muscular functions.
• Lipid-rich foods: Supply energy, aid in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, K, prevent atherosclerosis, and maintain vascular stability.
• Carbohydrate-rich foods: Help regulate blood glucose levels, store energy as fat, and contribute to the structure of anticoagulants and mucopolysaccharides.
• Vegetables & fruits: Essential for fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

2. Balanced and diverse diet

• Protein intake: 12-14% of total daily energy, with animal protein accounting for ≥50%.
• Lipid intake: 25-35% of total daily energy.
• Carbohydrate intake: 50-55% of total daily energy.

3. Maintain regular meals – Do not skip breakfast!

4. Ensure food safety and hygiene.

5. Stay active – The key to a healthy body!

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The valuable and practical knowledge shared by Dr. Hồ Thu Mai with students at Olympia School further reinforces HFH’s commitment to community health initiatives, particularly in raising awareness and promoting well-being among KÌåÓý’s children.

At KÌåÓý, we believe that together, we are building a healthier and more sustainable future!