Stress, fast food and vending machines driving kids to wrong decisions
Childhood obesity is not a future problem but one that is occurring too often today. Extra weight can increase asthma, set-off sleep problems and could affect all organs it a child's body.
Parent's are facing challenges when they are trying to do everything right for the child. Teachers for younger kids hand out sugary cookies and candies or doughnuts being handed for a job well done.
What happens when parent's and physicians are doing all they can to promote healthy behavior and the environment plays a role against them? This issue is being explored by media such as CNN series on childhood obesity and the issues surrounding it.
Children's Hospital Colorado, chief pediatrician, Dr. Stephen Daniels, mentions exposures children are face with every day. Advertising promotes fast food and not home-cooked meals. Vending machines of soda and candy available in schools.
Experts have noted that children in urban areas, space for outdoor activities is scare where kids are prevented to have a protected space to play; unattended dogs, neighborhood crime and lack of street lighting that can restrict kids from walking safely. Busy traffic hinders walking or biking for daily exercise.
Dr. Daniels states "Our environment is constantly pushing kids in the wrong direction."
A report in Pediatrics, May 2010 had found that children who are obese are more likely to be bullied regardless of sociodemographic, social and academic factors.
According to the CDC childhood obesity has short and long term health effects. Immediate effects include more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. They are more likely to have prediabetes and great risk for bone and joint problems and poor self-esteem.
Children and adolescents who are obese are more likely to be obese in adulthood and are then more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
Children and adults seek higher fat food in response to stress.
Professor Gary Evans, environmental and developmental psychologist at Cornell University, latest study which was published in the journal Pediatrics, had examined the effects of stress on weight gain in children and adolescents.
Professor Evans and team examined children who were dealing with stressful situations such as single parenthood, poverty and domestic violence.
Professor Evans had noted that lower income children have less healthy food stores close by and more junk is available due to cheaper prices.
In 2003, Dr. Gerald Hastings, University of Stratchlyde, United Kingdom, conducted a review on available literature on advertising and obesity to test the association between advertising, children and obesity. Dr. Hastings reported qualified findings that advertising to children does have an adverse effect on food preferences, purchasing behavior and consumption.
Dr. Daniels states "What we need to do as a society is work to make the healthier choice the easier choice,".
There has been progress in that area such as the USDA issuing new rules for school lunches. Schools will be required to offer fruits and vegetables to students every day. The new standards set will be in effect July 1st and will be phased in over a three year period. Among the standards schools must offer more whole grains, reduce sodium and offer fat-free, low-fat milk choices.
Michelle Obama “Let's Move” initiative celebrated it's second anniversary. According to a survey by the Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation, her efforts have worked. How far has her efforts reached? Eight of ten American's have heard of the campaign. She is practically a constant presence on Nickelodeon. She has secured pledges from national chains to serve healthier food especially to children. Those prominent names have signed on board such as Darden restaurants that operate restaurants such as Olive Garden and Red Lobster. Wal-mart has even joined forces.
While the environment appears to be working against children families can make weight loss a family venture. The Mayo Clinic has a list of things to help the entire family adopt healthier habits. Among their suggestions is to start small and give up that glass of soda for a glass of milk. The full report can seen at Mayo Clinic Childhood Obesity; Make weight loss a family affair.
The farmer's markets are a great way to get children interested in healthy eating. Have your children pick out a fruit or vegetable they would like to try or let them choose a local vendor to have lunch. More suggestions can be found at Cascadia Kids.
Take the family have a healthy fun outing.
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