The Sete Lagoas Regional Health District (SRS-Sete Lagoas) carried out, on Thursday (16-03), a training course with nutritionists from primary health care in the 35 municipalities serving the population of the Region. The main objective of the meeting was to present the National Strategy for Prevention and Attention to Childhood Obesity (PROTEJA) to professionals. The program brings together many federal, state and municipal institutions in the fields of health and education with the goal of stopping the spread of obesity in children and contributing to the care and improvement of children’s health and nutrition.
One of the initiatives discussed was the “Seeds of Tomorrow” project implemented by the Department of Health of the Municipality of Augusto de Lima in partnership with Emater, which involves school children in planting communal vegetable gardens to raise awareness of healthy eating. “We are engaging schools and small family farmers in the area to sell their pesticide-free produce to schools, providing them with a source of income and ensuring healthy meals for children,” said Darlene Guimarães, a nutrition authority in the municipality of Augusto. from Lima.
Also, representatives of the municipalities of Cachoeira da Prata, Inimutaba, Monjolos and Quartel Geral presented successful experiences in the development of PROTEJA’s business. Next, UFMG Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Larissa Loris Mendez, delivered a lecture: “Management of childhood obesity in the context of primary care: an intensive intervention-based approach based on multiple components.”
In light of the exchanges, Melissa Martins, Nutrition Reference for the Municipality of City of Lagoas, spoke about the work of the School Health Program that includes the promotion of adequate and healthy food and physical activity. The municipality has developed joint work with psychologists, social workers, nutritionists and physical educators. “This week has happened and it has been very productive with the support of psychologists, social workers, nutritionists and physical educators. The action also involved parents, students and school management,” said nutrition expert Cet Lagoas.
To indicate the Coordination of Health Care (CAS) of the Regional Health of Sete Lagoas, Diane Cayres, the partnership between health and education is important so that a change in culture can be brought about in relation to children. “We understand the complexity of coping with the progression of childhood obesity. It is essential to implement these integrated actions, to encourage healthy, affordable food choices along with promoting physical activity so children can get around,” explained Kayers.
