The Pediatric and nutritionist Madelin Ventura warned about the critical situation facing the Dominican Republic in health, noting that seven out of ten adults present overweightwhich increases the risk of diseases Chronicles like Diabetes, Hypertension and the Cardiovascular.
“We are facing a Silent epidemic. 70 % of the Dominican adult population lives overweight or obesityand we see that 7.7 % of children under five also present overweight“The specialist said.
Ventura stressed that the obesity And overweight are Risk factors direct for Diabetes Type 2, Hypertension arterial, heart disease and some types of cancer.
“Are diseases not only compromise people’s lives, but they represent a High economic cost For him health system and an important loss in the national productivity“He explained.
Health Education Proposal
In response to this problem, the pediatrician proposed that the Ministry of Educationin coordination with the Public Health Ministryinclude the subject education for health in the school curriculum.
“Currently ours Children do not receive systematic training on how Take care of your health. If we do not educate from childhood, we will continue to face a sick population And an overloaded health system, “he warned.
The proposal contemplates content on:
- Balanced food
- Physical activity
- Mental health
- Addiction prevention
- Sex education
- First aid
Measure benefits
Ventura said that this matter would have a positive impact on the reduction of Chronic diseases and in the quality of life of the population.
“Including health education in schools is a strategic investment. We will form conscious citizens, with the ability to take care and transmit healthy habits to their families and communities, “he concluded.
