Speech by Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education, at the SHF-NIE National Seminar 2007, on Saturday, 19 May 2007, at 0900hrs, at Victoria Junior College

SPEECH BY MR MASAGOS ZULKIFLI, SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, AT THE SHF-NIE NATIONAL SEMINAR 2007, ON SATURDAY, 19 MAY 2007, AT 0900HRS, AT VICTORIA JUNIOR COLLEGE

Professor Ho Lai Yun
Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Singapore General Hospital

Introduction
1. Heart diseases, high cholesterol, and other such ailments are not what one would usually associate with children and adolescents. Sadly, the danger to our young is very real.
Given the “fast-food” culture and increasingly sedentary lifestyles among the young these days, it is no wonder that obesity among the young is a growing concern. Obesity in young children and adolescents puts them at high risk of such health problems later on in life.

2. The good news is these diseases can be prevented with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. Habits are shaped and set at an early age. Therefore, it is necessary for us to equip every student with the knowledge and practical skills to live healthy lives. The school is an important avenue through which the young can be encouraged to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle, and it is where quality delivery and promotion of the health message will help build students’ motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle even after they leave school.

3. When we think of a healthy lifestyle, what comes immediately to mind would be balanced nutrition, regular exercise and adequate rest.
As the theme of this year’s seminar, “Obesity and Mental Health”, reminds us, health promotion efforts should not just focus on the physical component, but also incorporate the mental and social-emotional aspects of health. Mental wellness is as much a part of a healthy lifestyle as proper nutrition and regular exercise.

4. A holistic approach in health promotion through the Holistic Health Framework (HHF) was announced in 2006. The Holistic Health Framework aims to look after the total well-being of students, build intrinsic motivation in students to look after their own health, and support schools in their health promotion efforts. With the Framework, health promotion efforts in schools will now incorporate the psychological and emotional aspects of health, and not just focus on the physical component. Under the Holistic Health Framework, schools are encouraged to implement new, effective and exciting strategies to develop the health of their students holistically. The Framework will help re-shape focus and motivation as schools journey towards total health for their students and school community.

5. The Holistic Health Framework will also allow schools more flexibility and autonomy in engaging the support of their stakeholders in health promotion, since the total well-being of students is the shared responsibility of parents, schools and the community. In view of this, I wish to commend the SHF and NIE for organising this seminar and bringing together the different stakeholders to work towards the holistic and healthy development of our children and youth. Seminars, such as this, are excellent platforms for different organisations to collaborate and share their knowledge. They allow for a sharing of perspectives, an exchange of ideas and best practices, so that we keep abreast of changes in the world today.

6. As much as schools and educators play a part in educating children about making healthy lifestyle choices, it is at home where the seeds of healthy living are sown. Parents play an important role in determining the kind of lifestyle choices their children make, the kind of diet they have, and the activities they engage in. Through daily meals and activities, parents can inculcate positive eating habits in their children, and also exemplify an active lifestyle by going for walks or cycling with their children. The time spent together also strengthens the bond between parent and child and adds to the child’s emotional well-being.

7. The community also plays a part in a child’s overall holistic health. Organisations with the necessary expertise can partner schools, and support them in their efforts to promote healthy living among students through exhibitions, workshops, and even learning journeys.

8. It is only with the continued support of stakeholders that we can succeed in improving our children’s health. I am confident that by working together, we will all gain new insights and spark off new ideas for holistic health, and create significant positive changes in our school communities to enhance our children’s health and well-being.

9. I wish everyone a fruitful time of learning at this seminar, and every success in promoting the message of healthy living.