Childhood Obesity
We definitely have an obesity epidemic in our country. I recently researched the topic for a presentation and was sad to learn that close to 10% of our preschool children are overweight. When children are overweight they have an 80% chance to be an obese adult. There is a list of culprits, but the main dangers are high-fat foods and lack of physical activity. It doesn't help that many school systems have recently cut physical activity from the school day. Add to that high-fat school meals and it is a recipe for an obese child. We need to be more responsible than that. The first thing I have done is get rid of any high fat/sugar treats for my grandchildren. Now we have healthy treats at my house and we try to be outside doing activities more often. I want them to be healthy adults.
posted by John Funk @ Permalink2:47 PM
6 Comments:
By having more walk-ways for bikes or walking, people will be more encouraged to be active. We also need more parks and playgrounds to give the community (especially the children) more access to the physical activeness rather than watching TV. Taxes on chips, candy or soda pop need to be enforced so that funding can be given towards anti-obesity efforts. Bans need to be on fast food/candy/pop commercials either during certain times of the day or even it out with healthy food commercials. Children view TV more often, therefore Ads of fast foods more prominent. They should therefore show just as many commercials about healthy foods. This will help children become more subjective to logic of food on their health.
...last anonymous posting
-Heather G.
Physical activity is so important. I was a P.E. Specialist and would teach my students the 3 magic rules of exercise: you are happier, healthier and smarter when you exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. I have access to many studies and research to back it up. I'm glad that my school distrist (Davis) is so supportive of P.E. We received excellent ongoing training from District Experts.
Also my mother-in-law is a Utah legislator and worked hard to eliminate 'unhealthy' foods in vending machines in schools. It is big business for schools, the vending machines are a huge financial resource to schools. We definitely have a hard battle.
Thanks for the opportunity to get extra credit for Children's Lit. Jerilee
After reading about children and obesity i worry about my nephews. They are active boys but sometimes too active with the video games.I dont think that they really understand the importantance of eating healthy and exercising. That is where we need the help from the classrooms and the support from the parents to teach children that eating healthy and exercising can be fun and that it is important!!
Cammie Hulse - 2330
This posting hit home for me as I am a real advocate of keeping children moving -- and eating right. I'm amazed that within one generation (or less)our children have become so much more sedentary and heavier and less healthy. It feels like my children's generation (youngest is 18) was the last to play outside and ride bikes and play kickball in the circle at the end of the street. This new generation is the first in history to be less healthy than their parents. We have a huge job as educators to try to turn the tide.
Marianne J.
TL 2330
I have struggled with obesity since I was in second grade. Everyone who has left posts has made excellent points. One thing that I would like to add however is that children watch the adults around them. If children don't see adults making healthy choices in food and exercise, they will learn the unhealthy habits surrounding them. Without good nutritional habits, even if there are healthy choices available at schools, the children will be much less likely to eat what is good for them when they are away from home.
Kalyn R - Children's Lit Class
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