MALNUTRITION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 16, 31 October 1935, Page 6

MALNUTRITION

SCHOOL CHILDREN’S HEALTH.

26 PER CENT AT ASHBURTON EAST

PUPILS 11 TO 14 YEARS OF AGE.

A medical inspection of children at the Ashburton East School recently carried out by school health officers showed that 24 per cent, of those between 11 and 14 years of age who were examined were suffering from malnutrition. In the case of • children from 7 to 10 years, the percentage was not so high, being only 6.3.

Figures presented to the School Committee by the headmaster (Mr S. G. Macfarlane) last evening showed the position to be far from satisfactory. Members expressed surprise that so many children were suffering from mal-nutrition, and considered that it was the result of their having the wrong kind of food rather than not sufficient.

Mr Macfarlane’s report was as follows :

“Of the 397 children weighed and measured, 102 were found to be under weight. This, is fully a quarter, and the distribution is as follows:

“Forty-three children were reported as specially needing milk. Of these, eleven were already having it and, with the exception of three, the rest have since come into the scheme. “the milk ration numbers have increased considerably since the last meeting, some 150 children now taking milk daily.” The chairman (Mr W. S. Kerr) said the position as disclosed in the report was not a good ode. He did not think the health of the children was so bad.

The headmaster explained that all children in Standards 2, 4 and 6 were inspected at each visit of the health officers, and in this way children were examined three times in their primary school career. Others in the remaining classes would receive attention if it was apparent that they needed it. In answer to a question, the speaker said that there was no doubt that a milk ration would assist all children.

“A list of the proper food for children should be given to all parents,” said Mr Kerr. “These children are given plenty of food, but the trouble is it is not always of the proper kind, and not always cooked correctly, and as a result they do not get the benefit from it.”

7-10 years. 11 to 14 years per cent. per cent. Overweight ... 9.5 12.4 Normal 80 57 Sub-normal ... 4.5 4.7 Mal-nutritioned 6.3 26