Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the U.S. With plenty of health risks and problems for kids, programs to teach children the benefits of good nutrition and how to prepare healthy foods are of increasing importance. Learning how to cook nutritious meals by becoming involved in the kitchen provides kids with weapons for the war against childhood weight problems.
Considerations
Since 1980, childhood obesity has more than doubled, causing both immediate and long-term problems for children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Young people diagnosed with obesity will most likely suffer from weight-related health problems such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Children will also likely have low-self esteem as a result of their weight problem. Long-term problems include higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and osteoarthritis.
Public School
Public school curriculum offers nutrition education and has moved to providing healthy foods for cafeteria meals. The CDC suggests parents and educators approach district superintendents and school principals to create school health councils. Councils should review current nutrition curriculum at schools and offer new resources for improvements. For instance, a school's health council might consider hiring local dietitians, nutritionists or pediatricians to come into classrooms or school kitchens to provide healthy cooking classes. Teaching children through literature and lectures is valuable, but providing hand-on training offers kids a different and powerful education.
Hospital Programs
Hospitals, such as All Children's Hospital, a Johns Hopkins facility in Florida, offer nutrition education programs for families. All Children's suggests meeting first with your child's physician to establish which programs will benefit you most, but the hospital staff encourage all families to join the hospital's free cooking classes. According to All Children's, kids are more apt to accept dietary changes when they participate in preparing the meal. Classes teach children and parents the skills and nutritional information to prepare nutritious meals quickly and easily.
Online Resources
Bring your training home through nutrition websites geared toward kids. One example of an interactive nutrition site, Nourishingthoughts.com, was designed by a nurse and mother of two to provide families with current studies and trends regarding children's nutrition. The site offers games and tools for children plus tips and updates for parents. Activities bring children into the kitchen with games that educate about nutrition and teach how to cook healthy foods.
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