Health advice for students returning to school routines

As the school year begins, experts are providing guidance on maintaining nutrition and managing fatigue during the transition to more demanding daily routines.

Kalliopi Georgakouli, an assistant professor at the University of Thessaly, emphasizes that consistency in dietary habits is more important than perfection. Recommended practices for children include eating a simple breakfast, such as whole-grain cereals with milk or yogurt, and choosing healthier snacks like sandwiches with vegetables or fruit. This aligns with new Greek Ministry of Health guidelines for school canteens, which aim to remove soft drinks, chips, and processed meats. Additionally, the World Health Organization recommends that free sugars should not exceed 10% of daily energy intake.

Regarding physical well-being, experts warn that persistent fatigue, weakness, or difficulty concentrating during the return to routine may be linked to low iron levels. Iron is essential for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport. Children, adolescents, and those on restrictive diets may be at higher risk. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency remains a concern despite high sunlight levels in Greece, as indoor lifestyles can limit exposure. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health, with experts suggesting a daily intake of 400 IU.