2024-02-24 17:20:00
The progression of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is a public health problem major.
“We know that half of the children who are overweight will be overweight during adolescence and adulthood. In the Alpes-Maritimes, thanks to the health check-up of children aged 3-4 years in kindergarten, we collect among other things weight and height data which makes it possible to calculate the body mass index. 5.8% of children in this age group are overweight or obese, compared to 3.4% ten years ago”notes Doctor Mai Ly Durant, head of the maternal and child protection department at the Alpes-Maritimes Department.
A closely monitored development. “This prevalence varies depending on the sector, it ranges from 2% to 8% in certain vulnerable neighborhoods.”
It underlines the importance of acting as early as possible on the determinants of obesity, in particular environmental factors before birth and from the child’s earliest age.
Many things are at stake during the child’s first 1000 days, but not everything is decided.
The House of the First 1000 Days (1), a pilot site dedicated to parenting and early childhood, is part of this desire for prevention. Managed by the Alpes-Maritimes departmental council, it opened its doors a year ago in Nice. Since then, more than 500 families have already opened the door to this bright 700 m2 space, located at 172 avenue de la Californie.
Upon entering, parents are greeted by a quote from child psychiatrist Boris Cyrulnik: “A lot of things are at stake during the child’s first 1000 days, but not everything is decided.”
Free food workshops
“The idea here is to get parents to adopt good habits as early as possible. It’s a place of resources where they find answers to their questions, during individual interviews with midwives, childcare workers , psychologists… or workshops,” asks Marjorie Jacob, the coordinator of the House of the First 1000 Days, before leading us into the “kitchen” area.
On this Tuesday afternoon, children and parents are preparing “banana bread” in a happy atmosphere. Today, the theme of the nutritional workshop is “taste differently”. While Gaïa, Mélodie, Ali and Livaï finish mixing the flour, milk, chocolate chips… Romain Sciole, dietician opens the discussion with the mothers.
After reading the labels of the cookies and chocolate bars, the discussion begins between the dietitian and the families. Photo Cyril Dodergny.
“What do you give your children for a snack?” For some it’s yogurt or compotes, for others biscuits or chips. The dietician points out that chips are not only “fatty but also salty and sweet.” The discussion continues on the composition of industrial biscuits or other chocolate bars.
“You see that with this recipe for homemade banana bread, easy to prepare, we didn’t add any sugar.” This is not the case for the industrial version of the same cake. The dietitian reads the composition of the product.
“The ingredients appear in order of importance on the label. However, you see that sugar comes in 3rd position.” He takes the time to explain what to look for in product labels.
The questions are flying. The professional answers it.
Throughout the discussions, families also glean tips.
Romain Sciole suggests to Anissa, whose 2 and a half year old doesn’t like water, to flavor it with slices of lemon or orange rather than adding syrup.
“On a daily basis, it is important to make sure to limit sugary products”continues the dietician.
Compose balanced meals
Then, he continues with the composition of the other meals of the day. “Be careful not to give too much meat. For a child of 2 and a half years, it will not be more than 25-30 grams.” He suggests mothers consult the “Eat, move” websiteto glean ideas for balanced recipes.
A delicious smell of cake fills the room. The session ends with a tasting of the banana cake of which not a crumb remains. “It’s delicious and honestly no need for sugar”comments Amélie.
After a little over an hour of workshop, Anissa, Amélie, Ileana and Audrey leave with many answers to their questions. And some good resolutions, like that of being “more attentive to the composition of the products.”
For Romain Sciole, the objective, through these workshops, is to“helping families have the best possible diet to prevent obesity and overweight in children.”
Yoga, dance, physical activity…
As they leave the place with their children, they come across pregnant women who come to find out about breastfeeding.
“We also offer physical activity sessions adapted to future mothers, children, prenatal and postnatal yoga, dance for pregnant women, or with their babies”explains Marjorie Jacob.
These sessions help promote physical activity from a very young age. “Here we are starting things that parents can continue in their daily lives with their children.”
Practical
Or?
172, avenue de la Californie in Nice.
Open, without appointment, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This space is accessible to all parents, from the 4th month of pregnancy until the child is 3 years old.
Tel: 04.89.04.58.40.
(1). This structure complements the actions carried out by the Department within the framework of consultations with Maternal and Child Protection centers.
1708823943
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