Chennai

Grow Right Charter is a new initiative focused on supporting parents and helping children. Experts pointed out that children lack physical activities and were addicted to mobile phones.

“It is important that a child gets at least three hours of playtime every day, of which, at least an hour should include moderate to high-intensity physical activity. A child needs stimuli from the external environment for appropriate development of the brain’s neural networks,” said Dr Priya Chandrasekhar, Paediatrician, Indira Child Care Clinic.

She added that bad eating habits may lead to significant negative nutritional, developmental and behavioural issues in toddlers. “The common issues seen in toddlers are hidden hunger or micronutrient deficiencies. As food has become more accessible at malls and restaurants, the parents’ job of ensuring nutrition for their toddlers became tougher,” Dr Priya said.

“When children consume food from outside, they lean towards obesity and are prone to cholesterol and diabetics. Parents should make sure to choose healthy food for children,” said Dr Eileen Canday, Head, Dietetics at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.

Children were also advised to have a structured meal schedule once every four hours.

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