Positive lesson from swine flu threat

IT must be difficult for small children to grasp the concept of something like swine flu.

Along with bird flu, chickenpox and mad cow disease, the name must surely invoke zoomorphic demons that will become embedded in the psyche and are destined to disturb the sleep of generations to come.

But it’s an ill wind that blows no good and why not take advantage of the current threat to introduce personal health as a subject on the primary school curriculum?

The class could teach a simplified version of how the body works and how it can be cared for or harmed (Or, if teachers are already overloaded, it could be taught in the nature class).

It would give children a basic understanding of the body – the immune system, etc, – and an interest in their own welfare from an early age, thus, preempting future problems.

They would go out into the world with a better understanding of personal health and safety.

Margaret O’Riordan

East Hill

Cobh

Co Cork