Promoting Healthy Living Through Nutrition Awareness

Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, observed the 8th Nutrition Fortnight with an informative programme organised jointly by the Department of Home Science and the NSS Wing. The initiative aimed to raise awareness among students about the importance of proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices. This year’s theme, “Maternal and Child Nutrition and Eye Care,” highlighted the urgent need to address nutritional deficiencies and the growing health concerns caused by modern lifestyle habits.

The programme brought together students and faculty members to discuss issues related to nutrition, health, and well-being. The initiative served as an important platform to sensitise young learners about the long-term impact of dietary habits and the significance of preventive health practices.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Monica Anand, Head of the Department of Home Science, spoke about the persistent challenges of anaemia and malnutrition among women and children in India. She explained that inadequate nutrition during the early stages of life can lead to severe health complications later on, ultimately affecting the overall vitality and well-being of future generations. Dr. Anand emphasised the importance of spreading awareness about balanced diets and proper nutrition to combat these pressing issues.

She also drew attention to the growing health concerns associated with excessive screen exposure, particularly among young people. Highlighting the strain that prolonged screen use places on the eyes, she advised students to regulate their screen time carefully. To promote better eye health, she introduced the 20-20-20 rule, a widely recommended practice where individuals take a 20-second break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away. She encouraged students to adopt this simple yet effective technique to protect their eyesight in today’s digital age.

Dr. Anand further emphasised the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle and urged students to include nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. According to her, such dietary choices can help reduce nutritional deficiencies and contribute to overall physical and mental well-being.

In her address, Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra presented a thoughtful perspective on holistic education and well-being. She remarked that “true education transcends the confines of classrooms; it resides in the mindful nurturing of one’s body, mind, and spirit.” She added that a generation equipped with nutritional awareness and emotional balance forms the foundation of a resilient and progressive society.

Dr. Dhingra also highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and encouraged students to cultivate conscious dietary habits while also prioritising mental peace alongside their academic responsibilities. She lauded the dedicated efforts of Dr. Monica Anand and Dr. Simki Dev, Dean, NSS, for organising an initiative that addresses relevant and contemporary health concerns.

The programme concluded on a reflective note, inspiring students to make informed choices regarding nutrition, lifestyle, and well-being. Through such awareness initiatives, Apeejay College of Fine Arts continues to promote health consciousness and empower students to adopt habits that contribute to a healthier and more balanced future.