Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 13: He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything – Arabian proverb

Lourdes Central School from June 21–June 26 observed health week on a digital platform aimed to promote health consciousness and adopt healthy habits in students.

During this week, students from KG - 12 participated in an array of classroom activities, meticulously planned by the LCS health committee. These activities were also extended to parents, who were also able to learn more about how to keep their children and themselves fit and healthy.

On the first day, an inspiring virtual inauguration of the health week commenced with a resplendent prayer song, sung by Jenica D’Souza and Jennissa Pereira of class 12, Megan D’Souza of class 10, eloquently highlighted the importance of celebrating health week which coincided with International Yoga Day. Shreya Arbi of class 10 demonstrated yoga asanas to motivate students to include them in their daily routine.

The surprise activity of day-1 threw the spotlight on the importance of ‘Laughter Therapy’.

A student’s time is spent in front of a digital screen, therefore, the second day was focused on eye relaxation technique demonstrated through a video by Angeline Shinoj of class 4D.

Teachers highlighted the importance of saltwater gargling during this pandemic. Students and parents were extended a surprise task- 2 on saltwater gargling to be done regularly at home.

On the third day, students were encouraged, as surprise task- 3 in planting herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil) and Aloe Vera which help in purifying the air around and also help in building immunity. Having good indoor air quality is an important part of living in a healthy home. Students were educated with the aid of a PPT.

The fourth day was dedicated to breathing exercises, surprise task– 4. The inclusion of regular breathing exercises helps to regulate stress levels and pumps oxygen into our heart and brain. To expand awareness, physical educator Anitha Pinto demonstrated the exercises virtually and guided the students in doing so. Students were advised, to spare time daily for exercises and to build immunity. Science teachers of classes 6-8 motivated the students to follow a healthy diet for a healthy life with an activity ‘Vegetable Friends' that guided them to understand the importance of eating nutritious food. The students were asked to prepare a nutritious recipe using any five vegetables as an enrichment activity.

On the fifth day, a talk on ‘Drug Dependence’ was given to the students of classes 9 and 10 by Fr Deepu Mathew, assistant director – BREADS Bengaluru and Amberlina Sharon Karat, behavioural therapist and counsellor. Fr Deepu punctuated the side effects of addiction. He also gave valuable tips on saying 'NO' to drugs.

A session on International Day against Drug Abuse was conducted for students of classes 11 and 12 by Lydia Lobo, administrator at the de-addiction centre and Brandon Mario D’Souza, a counsellor at Lind De-Addiction and Counselling Centre-Mangaluru. The speakers discussed with the students how addictions can happen, the mechanisms behind them and the preventive measures that should be taken. D’souza also shared a few anecdotes of his experience as a counsellor to bring awareness of real-life situations to the students. The surprise activity of the day was to partake in a mindfulness exercise. Incorporating mindfulness into education is a powerful tool in improving academic, social and emotional skills, that will help children in the long run.

The little Lourdites of kindergarten participated in all the activities with glee. To expand awareness and understanding of healthy and nutritious food, an action song on ‘Eat Good Feel Good’ was shown to them.

The health week thus concluded with a finale ceremony, compered by Amit Colaco of class 10, which began with a prayer song sung by Portia Furtado of class 9. Students were guided for a few minutes in meditation, after which Elishia Baptist and Aryan Punja of class 9 shared their experiences and tips they learnt throughout the health week. The health pledge, recited by Clive Rego of class 10, was earnestly repeated by every student.

As the final surprise activity, students were encouraged to enjoy balanced meals with their family together and to continue leading a healthy life by including the surprise activities in their daily life.