FOOD CHOICES AND HEALTH PROFILE OF PRETEENS

Food choices among children are too drastic and can be changed to healthy choices at the earlier ages. Dietary and food choices, lifestyle and behavioral pattern are important factors for the health and wellbeing of the preteens. Healthy and balanced diet plan with an active life style pattern plays a strong foundation and ensure the quality life of the Preteens. A total of 259 preteens in the age group of 11 and 12 studying in classes VI and VII were involved from both rural and urban schools for the health education. In order to create awareness among the study participants, interactive aids were used such as lecture, power point highlighting the importance of healthy food choices, importance of proper hygiene and sanitation and good life style practices. In addition to the health education to preteens, data on education to parents, teachers were also assessed with checklist for variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice and was statistically analysed as a part of health and food choices of preteens with parents and teachers.