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Obesity Among Children. Jamie Falkner, EDTC/560 University of Phoenix Online Dr. Shaw July 14, 2008. Obesity Among Children. Topics of discussion Prevalence of obesity Unhealthy choices among children Parents and teachers encouraging healthy habits
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Obesity Among Children Jamie Falkner, EDTC/560 University of Phoenix Online Dr. Shaw July 14, 2008
Obesity Among Children • Topics of discussion • Prevalence of obesity • Unhealthy choices among children • Parents and teachers encouraging healthy habits • Steps parents can take for their children
Prevalence of Obesity in Children • Obesity is becoming a huge problem and is affecting people at a younger age. • “Since 1971, the prevalence of overweight among US children has increased by more than 100% (it stood at 10.4% in 2000), and this prevalence is expected to continue to increase” (Kimbro & Brooks, 2007, p.298). • “Today, more than 9 million children over age 6 are considered obese, which means that they face serious immediate and long-term health risks” (Koplan, 2005, p.57).
Unhealthy Choices Among Children • Children do not become unhealthy on their own. The children’s parents, siblings, teachers, and peers have much to do with the healthy or unhealthy choices that are made. • “A 2002 study concluded that by age two, one in five babies are eating candy every day” (Graci, 2006, p.93).
Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles • Parents and teachers can help encourage healthier habits among the children. • Parents can encourage their children to play outside more during daylight hours, increase interest in extracurricular sports activities, provide fruit for snacks, and provide healthier choices at dinner. • Teachers can incorporate more activities that require physical activity, provide healthier snack choices, and instead of rewarding children with candy and sweets find an alternate reward
Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles • The importance is high to encourage a healthy lifestyle at a young age; if children are overweight it tends to follow them into adulthood (Hamilton, 2007). • Parents have to step in and help their children life a healthier lifestyle. Parents could: • take the children to the park to play • take the dog for a walk and invite the children to go along • limit the children’s time indoors on the computer, watching TV, and playing with their video games • limit the intake of sweets and fast food meals • provide the children with healthy home cooked family meals.
References • Graci, S. (2006). 21 days to crack the code. Alive: Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition, 290, 92-93. Retrieved Saturday July, 12, 2008 from the Alt HealthWatch database. • Hamilton, J. (2007, March). A big deal. Australian Parents, pg.66,67. Retrieved Saturday, July 12, 2008 from the MasterFILE Premier database. • Kimbro, R., Brooks-Gunn, J., & McLanahan, S. (2007). Racial and ethnic differentials in overweight and obesity among 3-year-old children. American Journal of Public Health, 97(2), 298-305. Retrieved Saturday July 12, 2008, from the Academic Search Premier database. • Koplan, J., Liverman, C., Kraak, V. (2005). Preventing childhood obesity. Issues in Science and Technology, 21(3), 57-64. Retrieved Saturday, July 12, 2008 from Research Library database.