Educación para la salud. Nutrición y gastronomía en las ciudades autónomas de Melilla y Ceuta

The aim of this research was to analyze overweigh and obesity among student population of childhood and primary education levels, in a first stage at the city of Melilla (2005), and two years later in Ceuta. From an administrative point of view both cities depend on the Ministry of Education and Culture, alike the Spanish education centers in foreign countries. This research begun gathering anthropometric measures of students and surveys about gastronomic and dietary habits of their families, with the objective of detecting and modifying those that were not healthy, and foster the adoption of healthy habits among students, who could influence their families through their cooperation and engagement. Once students adopted healthy nutritive behaviors, those were complemented with physical activity. To achieve these aims, the following steps were taken: - Education on health for teachers through CEPs. - Include in the scholar curriculum a new matter: Education for Health and Non-Competitive Physical Exercise, as part of the existing programs Education for Citizenship and Physical Education. - Develop extracurricular activities together with parents and students: cooking workshops and physical exercise. - Implement at the childhood and primary schools a program of Healthy Breakfasts: during a quarter breakfasts composed by fresh fruit, whole meal bread toast with virgin olive oil, and sugar free yoghourt were delivered. Vending machines of juices and industrial baking were forbidden at educational centers. - Analyze and correct the menus delivered at school canteens.