The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website describes American society as "obesogenic." As such, the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity is developing statewide programs to promote leadership and education on physical activity and nutrition. Children are a specific target of these programs.
Identification
The Centers for Disease Control describes the obesity epidemic on its website. In 2009 alone, 16 percent of American children were obese. Despite America's obsession with fitness, obesity rates for children have tripled since 1980. Inactivity is one of the major culprits. Parents can help prevent childhood obesity by enrolling their children in afterschool activities.
Theories/Speculation
A study published in the September 2007 edition of the "International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity" cites excessive television time as the major cause of obesity. The study found that more than two hours of television time amongst preschool children was associated with a high risk of obesity. Parents can make a game of having their children exercise during commercial breaks.
Time Frame
The Kaiser Family Foundation has issued a report titled "Generation M: Media in the Lives of 8-18 Year-olds." The Kaiser researchers found that in addition to spending more time on what they call "old media" such as television, kids of the 8 to 18 age group are also spending additional time with "new media" such as internet and video games. This means even longer periods of inactivity. Computer games such as Wii Fit may offer a partial solution. Since they are made by Nintendo, you would be approaching your child through a medium with which he is familiar.
Warnings
The American Heart Association has issued a 2003 statement regarding the dangers of obesity in children. They warn that untreated childhood obesity can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes and risk of cardiovascular disease. While childhood inactivity is part of the problem, the busy lifestyles of two working parents often mean that families are eating overprocessed, salty, sugary, high-fat foods. The time saved on cooking is unfortunately outweighed by extra visits to the doctor's office. Consider fresh ingredients that require a minimal amount of cooking and preparation. Make healthy cooking a family process, and engage you child in the activity.
Prevention/Solution
If your child's school has cut physical education classes due to budget, parents can contribute to a fund for hiring an independent contractor to conduct physical activity classes. Consider active vacations, such as ski or hiking trips, as opposed to passive thrills such as Disneyland.
You can also promote better nutrition by experimenting with fruit recipes. For example, freeze fruit juice in ice cube trays, and place a Popsicle stick in each cube. It's a more nutritious snack than artificially flavored and colored ices.
Member Comments