Eating away rheumatic fever

Students at Glenview School know to take good care of their teeth and have the smiles to prove it. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Teaching children how to make balanced choices when it comes to food is a major focus for teachers and health professionals in Porirua. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Practice nurse Litia Gibson says it's important to have discussions with parents about keeping their children healthy. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Fizzy drinks and energy drinks are often sent home from schools and milk provided for the students instead. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Nurses and doctors at Porirua Union and Health Service can swab up to ten throats each a day. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Some of the fruit provided by Fruit In Schools at Glenview. A healthy immune system is the best defense against rheumatic fever and the school places strong emphasis on establishing good habits. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Glenview School's healthy eating policy has been viewed as dictatorial but deputy principal Lester Mohi says the longterm benefits are worth it. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Glenview deputy principal Lester Mohi has a good view of the students playing from his office window. Exercise, including a competitive cricket match against Windley School, is integral to setting students up for a healthy life. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox.

Beans tomatoes cabbages and strawberries grow in Glenview Schools community garden. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Glenview deputy principal Lester Mohi stands next to a tall leek in the garden. Teaching gardening skills helps develop low cost methods of food production for the children, some of whom come from low-income families. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Classes are in session at Glenview School which has about 70 students. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Windley School principal Rhys McKinley has worked in education for decades. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Windley School's award for reducing rheumatic fever. Daniela Maoate-Cox

Windley School has over 300 students of which about 60 attend the daily free breakfast. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

A shop in Cannon's Creek, Porirua, has fresh fruit and vegetables on display outside. Educating children on how to make healthy food choices is key to reducing rates of rheumatic fever. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox