By Cindy Bennett
First Place
Ten -year-old Lorne sat down to eat his lunch with his friends at his new school. He opened his lunch box, and laid his food out in front of him. Lorne had half of a sandwich, milk, a few carrot sticks, cheese and a few grapes. His new friends noticed how different Lorne’s food was, and why did he go with the nurse before he came to lunch. Lorne shyly looked up and said I have diabetes, and the nurse checks my blood and then I take my needle so I can eat. Gladys just stared at him and exclaimed,” You get a needle so you can eat? “This brought other curious children to Lorne’s lunch table. At 10 yrs. old Lorne understood his illness enough to know the importance of eating healthy food.
Gladys looked at her lunch, a sandwich, potato chips, cookies, gummy bears and a chocolate milk. Compared to Lorne’s’ she had lots of sweets. As the children asked questions Lorne did his best to explain to them why he has to eat this way. He told them his parents ate this way too, and they did not have diabetes. He told them eating good food builds strong bones and keeps his body healthy. He tried to explain how his body can not have too much sugar or he will get very sick, and not enough sugar makes his sick too. So by eating the right foods keep him healthy in many ways.
His new teacher Ms. Mortimer was on lunch duty and overheard the conversation. This gave her an idea for health class in the upcoming week. She called the local hospital and booked a dietitian to visit the school. She informed her of Lorne’s’ health condition and asked for information on diabetes be available for the class as well.
Health class arrived and the children were excited to see who the special guest was. Good morning class, this is our local dietitian Mrs. Clarke from the hospital. Today we will discuss healthy eating and learn about Lorne’s condition. A poster of the Canada Food Guide was tacked to the bulletin board, and the children stared at it, and Gladys was the first to raise her hand. I don’t like a lot of those vegetables, but I love pizza!
Mrs. Clarke took out her play foods and set them on display atop the teachers’ desk, while smiling at Gladys she said,” I love pizza too.” The children listened intently as each food on the poster was addressed, noting how important each food group was to a healthy, active body. The importance of serving sizes, and eating three times a day, along with limiting sweet drinks with water or milk. The children examined the plastic fruits, breads, meats, French fries, and vegetables. A plastic measuring cup in a bowl of water helped them visualize a half of a glass of fluid. Of course the water did not stay in the bowl for long as Danny and Randy had a wee water fight. Gladys knew she would have to make some changes in her lunch box if it was going to look more like the healthy lunch using the Canadas food guide. Eating in moderation is a good rule to follow, that way there is a time and a place for sweet drinks, candy and desserts even her favourite, pizza.
Mrs. Clarke also shared information on diabetes to the class, noting Lorne was a diabetic and following the Canada Food Guide was a must to keep him healthy. She explained that they all have a pancreas, and it played an important role in our digestion. When the pancreas does not function correctly it leads to a disease called diabetes. If you have diabetes the body can not regulate the glucose (sugar) levels in the body. Too high or too low can make Lorne and others very ill. Lorne has to test his blood before each meal to ensure it is in a safe range, takes his medication and eats his lunch. His mom has to be careful even with the fruits and vegetables as they have their own natural sugars, so instead of one apple he might only be allowed one half. Some vegetables have natural sugar like peas and carrots, so these are limited as well.
The children gathered around as she showed them an example of the needle Lorne used, and the little monitor that checked his blood sugar. Gladys was glad she did not have diabetes, and she decided in that moment to talk with her parents about the family eating healthier. Mrs. Clarke gave all the children a copy of the Canada Food Guide, and encouraged them to share it with their family.
In the lunch room the following day as Lorne and Gladys sat together, she was excited to open her lunch box. As Lorne opened his lunch box and set out his food, Gladys did the same. She had half a sandwich, an apple, cucumbers, and some apple juice and she was proud of herself. They saved some cheese and crackers for recess snack. She wondered if her friend Lorne would notice her new food choices, and he did as a shy smile spread on his face.
Ms. Mortimer monitored the lunch area, she noticed the changes in Gladys and other students’ food choices. It always pleased her when her students showed an interest in new information, and then put it into action. Ms. Mortimer improved her lunch box too.
They learned that week how helpful the Canada Food Guide was in guiding them into a healthier way of eating, something that will follow them into adulthood. The information on diabetes aided the students to better understanding Lorne’s disease, it was a week full of changes for students and teacher alike.
And Gladys, even pizza is part of a healthy diet, in moderation of course!
