For the first time, HPB has introduced a series of lessons and shows to teach these K1 and K2 children the importance of having a healthy balanced diet - in a fun way, through puppetry, song and music, simple magic tricks and other interactive activities.

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes are linked to diet and lifestyle. A child's diet can have a direct impact on the development of risk factors such as obesity, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure which can influence the onset of these diseases.

'The early childhood years are key milestones for the inculcation and formation of healthy eating habits. Many of such habits established at this young age are also likely to be carried on in adulthood,' said the HPB, on its 'fun with food' programme.

The HPB has also developed a new nutrition education resource package for the pre-schoolers.

This package, which has been distributed to all pre-schools, comprises 20 lessons covering key aspects of nutrition such as making healthier choices when eating out, the importance of fruit and vegetables.

Ready-to-use lesson plans and activities have been developed and incorporated into this package for teachers to use when they cover topics such as food and nutrition in school. Complete with worksheets, posters, CD-Roms with songs and interactive games, this resource package aims to make nutrition education an enjoyable experience for the young children.

Dr Wong Mun Loke, HPB's Deputy Director of Youth Health Programme Development, said: 'As food preferences and habits develop from a very young age, it is important to inculcate healthy eating habits among our pre-schoolers.'

'The nutrition education roadshow and resource package were therefore designed and developed to provide a variety of fun and engaging activities to teach our children how to adopt healthy eating habits from young.'