Findings from national health studies focusing on Indian children and youth indicate a consistent upward trend in overweight and obesity rates. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2024, there were 33 million children in India living with overweight and obesity, equivalent to a prevalence of 9% among those under 20 years. This number is projected to increase significantly, with India expected to have 83 million children overweight/obese by 2035, representing a prevalence rate of 24%. According to a 2021 report by UNICEF, roughly one in seven Indian adolescents aged 10 to 19 is estimated to live with a diagnosable mental health condition; common issues include anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders.

Dr. Ahmed Hussein, an SGU graduate from the Doctor of Medicine degree program in 2022, advises that regular pediatric checkups are the single most important preventive measure. “Each age group has its own anticipatory guidance for a healthy life and specific screening tools for diseases,” he said. “These routine visits allow pediatricians to provide tailored advice on nutrition, development, and emotional wellbeing.”

“Pediatrics is a deeply rewarding field because it’s not just about treating young patients, it’s about supporting entire families through some of their most vulnerable moments,” said Dr. Hussein. “You become a trusted guide, helping parents navigate uncertainty and empowering them to nurture their child’s health beyond the clinic. It’s a role that requires empathy, resilience, and a genuine passion for making a long-term impact.”

Reflecting on his journey into pediatrics, Dr. Hussein describes it as a field full of daily joy and renewal. “Each patient encounter is like meeting a new friend for playtime,” he shares. “We laugh, play, and joke during our time together while tackling the main reason for their visit. It’s a constant regeneration of energy during the day.”

Addressing the post-pandemic surge in screen addiction, anxiety, and delayed social development in children, Dr. Hussein urges families to create emotionally connected environments. “Routines that prioritize outdoor play, face-to-face interaction, and emotional openness,” he notes, are key to cultivating resilience in children navigating today’s fast-evolving world.

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From safety and accommodations to local culture and activities, this latest guide by St. George’s University (SGU), School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies provides five key information to help prospective students make informed decisions.

How safe is campus life in Grenada?

Grenada is considered a safe destination for students, with a level-one rating from the US Department of State, which simply advises students to exercise normal precautions, as they would anywhere. In addition, SGU’s security officers patrol the university grounds 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

SGU has implemented several safety measures on campus, including surveillance cameras, smoke detectors, and sprinklers in all buildings. The campus also has a command center, established in 2016, serving as the emergency response hub. Students can also access the ‘SGU Safe’ app, providing location-based emergency assistance.

What are accommodations like in Grenada?

Medical students must live on campus during their first term. SGU’s residence halls provide central air conditioning, internet access, laundry facilities, and regular cleaning services. Rooms are furnished with twin-sized beds, desks, chairs, closet space, and bookshelves. Kitchen facilities include a refrigerator, cooktop stove, and microwave.

After the first term, students may choose to live off campus. Many off-campus accommodations include air conditioning, and some even have pools. Most housing options are within a five-mile radius of the university and conveniently located along the bus route.

What should students know about shopping?

Grocery shopping in Grenada is convenient, with several supermarkets accessible by bus or private vehicle. Students can also visit local markets, such as St. George’s Market Square on Saturday mornings, for fresh produce, gifts and specialty items.

Many essentials can be purchased locally. It’s also common for students leaving Grenada to sell their belongings at affordable prices for freshmen.

What are the most popular holidays in Grenada?

Major holidays celebrated in the US, such as Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s Day, are widely observed in Grenada. Additionally, the island has its own unique festivities, the most famous being Spicemas—Grenada’s Carnival—held annually on the second Monday and Tuesday of August. The event features vibrant music, dancing, and elaborate costumes.

What are some fun things to do in Grenada?

With over 80 student clubs, SGU’s campus life is just as vibrant as its academics, offering students plenty of opportunities to connect, unwind, and explore their passions. Among the most active cultural groups is the Indian Cultural Student Association (ICSA), which plays a key role in celebrating Indian traditions and cultivating cultural exchange. ICSA organizes signature events each semester, including the vibrant ICSA Show – a colorful celebration of Indian music, dance, and traditions that draws participation from across the student body. The group also hosts festive gatherings such as Diwali celebrations, Holi Day, and themed cultural nights, offering Indian students a sense of home and introducing the broader SGU community to Indian culture.

Beyond campus, students can explore Grenada’s natural beauty through hiking trails in lush rainforests or water activities like snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking. Many students earn their PADI dive certification and explore Grenada’s famous underwater sculpture park. The island also offers rich cultural experiences with local chocolate factories, spice plantations, and marine excursions, allowing students to immerse themselves in Grenadian culture and lifestyle.

The post Thinking of Studying in Grenada? Here Are the Five Must-Know Facts for Indian Students appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.