Parents and teachers want children to lead happy and healthy lives. Obesity kills more Americans each year than AIDS, cancer and accidents combined, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Educating kids about proper nutrition and exercise is one of the first steps toward protecting them against serious diseases and conditions later in life.
The Need for Nutrition and Wellness Education
According to the US Department of Agriculture, almost 15 percent of American households reported difficulty putting enough food on the table in 2008. Despite this statistic, the American Council on Exercise reports that the percentage of overweight children and adolescents have tripled since the 1970s. This lack of available nutritious foods combined with less active lifestyles puts children at risk for a number of diseases and conditions.
School Meals and Wellness Policies
Since nutritious foods are not available in a growing number of homes, the breakfasts and lunches children receive at school could be the most important meals they eat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals to millions of students each school day. Over a week, school meals must provide a third or more of daily nutrient requirements as determined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
In 2006, Congress ordered all schools participating in the food programs to develop a local wellness policy that involves parents, students and representatives of the school food authority and includes nutrition guidelines as well as goals for nutrition education, physical activity and other school-based activities.
How Parents Can Help Educate Kids About Nutrition
Parents are often a child's first teacher. To help educate children about nutrition, KidsHealth suggests five strategies: eat regular family meals, offer a variety of healthy foods and snacks, model healthy eating, avoid battles over food and involve kids in the process of meal preparation.
Educating Children About Fitness
Children enjoy free play, although they sometimes need a little motivation. The American Council on Exercise recommends providing lots of encouragement since many kids lack self-confidence in their physical abilities. Use clear instructions on how to perform certain movements, like hitting a tennis ball, and provide a demonstration. Focus on one task at a time and give children feedback.
Government Programs
In addition to federal government programs, states have recognized the need for nutrition and wellness education for kids. For example, Kansas has implemented several nutrition and wellness initiatives: School Nutrition and Wellness; Child and Adult Care Food Programs; Summer Food Service Program; Body Venture; Coordinated School Health; Eat, Exercise, Excel!; School Wellness Policies; and Team Nutrition. As other states begin offering these programs, children will have access to education that could protect the future of their health.
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