The Smart Start program, an initiative of the Department of Human Nutrition at the College of Health Sciences, is an educational nutrition programme targeting children in Qatar. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, the objective is to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The coronavirus has had a negative impact on family diets, food choices and general physical activity. As a result, the program highlights the importance of physical activity and good nutrition in supporting the immune system. This year’s Smart Start event was aimed towards children, their parents, school teachers and administrators in 20 school Qatar, through a virtual platform.

With over 100 attendants, the webinar included a presentation, activities, and a question-and-answer section at the end. The event covered several topics such as foods that support the immune system, the importance of adopting a healthy and how an active lifestyle can strengthen the immune system.

Many factors can weaken the immune system such as an incomplete diet, an unorganized sleep pattern, exposure to pollution, and a lack of fresh air or sunlight. The immune system protects the human body from pathogenic microbes such as bacteria and viruses. The development of a good immune system that begins at a young age is crucial to deter health risks related to various diseases and their causes, including viruses. The correct diet is an important and integral part of developing a strong immune system for both adults and children.

One of the parents said, “It was a very informative webinar that included strategies designed to help incorporate healthy eating habits which boost immunity in such pandemic.”

Ms AJazi AlQahtani and Ms Aya Hamdan, Teaching Assistants at the Department of Human Nutrition, stressed the need to include all food groups in the meal to boost immunity. Additionally, the webinar provided many tips to schedule meals, prepare lunch boxes, engage daily fun activities and offered specialized strategies to deal with picky eaters.

For more information on QU’s initiatives, please visit www.qu.edu.qa

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