CONSCIENTIZATION PROGRAMME REPORT

Introduction:

      As part of our B.Ed Curriculum, I conducted a conscientization programme on “Consequences of junk food consumption among adolescents" at Govt. HSS Kanyakulangara on 03th January 2020 at 1:50 pm to 2.30 pm among Ninth 'E' students. Consumption of junk food is becoming more popular in developing countries. The food consumption patterns and associated nutritional risks specific to school students is a key concern. Whilst there is evidence that food intake patterns are established before adolescence, they may also change substantially during adolescence and these modified food patterns, if unhealthy, are likely to influence health and disease risk in later life. 

       After that, we arranged the classroom and made necessary seating arrangements, LED screen, projector, laptop etc. After making necessary setups, we called the students in the classroom and ask them to sit comfortably. Also, we told them that we are going to conduct an awareness programme related to the topic “Junk Food”. They sat quietly and attentively.

Objectives:

• To find out the ill-effects of junk food.
• To develop a deep awareness about the harmful effects of junk food.
• To sensitize students about the advantage of natural foods and also the defects of junk food.

Need and Significance:

         Program was focused on Today’s generations of kids who are fonder of junk foods which has very little nutritional value. There is very little realization that frequent consumption of junk food increases risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases among other chronic health problems. Awareness were given on the intake of excess fat, simple carbohydrates and processed sugar which are hazardous to health. Students were warned about the resulting obesity which may begin clogging up the arteries and lay the basis of an impending heart attack. It has also been suggested that eating junk food affects the brain in the same way as consuming addictive drugs. An addiction to junk food may even result in rejection of healthier food options like fruits, vegetables, salads etc. leading to further lack of nourishment. This Conscientization program is done in order to bring an awareness of the effect of junk food among students.

Program:

·      Firstly, the presentation is started by saying the introductory part

i.e., about junk food. Explanation was clearly given to the students that junk foods contains high levels of sugar or fat and young generation, particularly teenagers were easily attracted towards bakery foods, fast foods, ice creams etc. 

They felt that junk foods are very tasty and yummy to eat. They believed that there is no harmful effect in these items. At the same time, they were far away from homely foods. 

        Then "Top 10 Bad Consequences Consuming Fast Food" video is shown

·    Secondly, explanation given  about adulteration in junk food and how Junk food consists of oil, high salt, adulterated wheat, rotted

bread, synthetic flavours, colours, sauce of preservatives and low

quality adulterated oil. Junk food also contains MSG, chemicals, acids, caffeine and some addictive contents.

Explanation given  on their favourite desert i.e., ice cream contain adulterate such as Pepperoil, which is used as a pesticide and ethyl acetate causes terrible diseases affecting lungs, kidneys and heart. and asked students to think twice before eating junk food.

·    Then,  the effects of junk food in our body were explained. Adding that eating a poor quality diet high in junk food is linked to a higher risk of obesity, depression, digestive issues, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and early death. That single fast food meal can narrow your arteries, leading to an increase in blood pressure. And the quick spike in the blood sugar from eating junk foods high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars can cause a surge in insulin, leading to a quick drop in blood sugar that leaves us feeling tired, cranky and hungry for more. Just one serving of junk food can increase inflammation throughout the body. 

·    Then explanation were given on balanced diet for a healthy life and how to reduce junk food consumption.Information given that eat easy-to-prepare snacks include whole-wheat low-sodium crackers and low-fat cheese, nuts and dried fruit such as raisins, dried apricots and dates. Instead of soda or sugary juices, keep water bottles, homemade lemonade and sugar-free juices in the fridge. Freeze fresh juice, pureed fruit or yogurt to make frozen desserts instead of eating fat- and sugar-rich ice-cream. Students were advised to make fresh fruit more appealing to them by serving washed and cut apples, oranges, banana and other fruits with spreads such as peanut butter and jam. Students were encouraged to Eat vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots and bell peppers by slicing them into easy-to-eat fingers; serve with low fat

cream cheese, yogurt or other dips. Students were told to ask their mothers to cook healthy alternatives to junk food. For example, make baked fries and chicken nuggets at home instead of deep frying.

·    Finally, I concluded the programme with vote of thanks.

Students actively participated in the awareness programme and they were very attentive.

IMPACT OF CONSCIENTIZATION PROGRAMME

 Through this programme, students get aware about consequence of eating junk food.

 The programme provides a better understanding of how consumption junk food affects a person’s life.

 This programme provides confidence to students to talk freely about their doubts regarding junk food.

 The programme gives clear cut idea to students that homely food is much better junk food.

 Through this programme, students gained knowledge about healthy alternative of junk foods.

 From this programme, students understand that all tasty food is not healthy.

 Through this programme, the students also understand that don’t buy a product just watching attracting advertisements.