More children than ever before are weighing in at levels of obesity unprecedented in previous generations. While experts agree that being overweight may lead to long-term health risks, there remains a question about how this has happened, and what our schools can do to help curb the epidemic.
Cafeteria Food
According to "The Nutrition Almanac," a typical meal prepared by a school cafeteria boasts high levels of unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and corn syrup. In reaction to this trend, many schools are implementing programs to offer locally grown produce and salad bars to help curb children's empty calorie consumption. If parents wish to see healthier menu options in their child's school cafeteria they should contact the school to see how they can get involved.
Pressure
Studies indicate that stress may lead to excessive weight gain. According to The American Physical Therapy Association, children today are dealing with social pressures and stressors more than ever before due to having two parents who work, family stress, increased homework loads, and a decreased availability for recreational activity due to financial hardship or appropriate safety levels or supervision available after school.
Sleep Deprivation
Early morning school classes combined with heavy homework loads create an environment that does not provide an average child with enough sleep to foster healthy development. Pediatrician and author, Dr. William Sears, states that the average 9-year old needs nine to 12 hours of sleep each night. Sears also indicates that children who do not get enough sleep tend to be heavier than their well-rested peers.
Exercise
Implementing programs into school curricula designed to promote relaxation as well as demanding physical exercise may improve the weights of school children. According to experts at the Massachusetts Medical School in Boston, mindfulness activities such as meditation can reduce fat related to stress and sleep deprivation, whereas exercises that elevate heart rate boost calorie expenditure.
References
- "The American Holistic Medical Association Guide to Holistic Health: Healing Therapies for Optimal Wellness"; Larry Trivieri Jr.; 2001
- "The American Physical Therapy Association Book of Body Maintenance and Repair"; Steve Vickery and Marilyn Moffat; 1999
- "Attachment Parenting"; Dr. William Sears; 2004
- "Obesity Related Metabolic Disorders"; Wein, Sabate, Ikle, Kole and Kandee; 2003
- "Natural Family Living: The Mothering Magazine Guide to Parenting"; Peggy O' Mara; 2000
- "The Nutrition Almanac"; Lavonne J. Dunne; 2001
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