Obesity is Fast Becoming an Epidemic in Kids
Posted: Saturday, April 28, 2007
by Avis Ward
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
There are so many things confronting our kids today. Life sure was much easier, simplified and fun when I was a kid. Of course, it would be. I was just a kid. I only had to worry about my chores, homework, making the cheerleading squad, passing SAT’s, making the honour roll, Beta Club, or winning after running for one thing or another.
One thing I enjoyed so very much in school was competing athletically. If my memory serves me correct, it was The President’s Council on Health and Fitness who administered fitness tests twice a school term. I remember my best friends and I competing with the boys in doing sit-ups, pull-ups, 50 and 220-yard dash, softball throw, running and standing broad jumps, and so much more. We had fun! We were also fit. There were not very many overweight students at school. There was just a handful. They stood out and were the brunt of quite a few mean jokes but we’d pair up with them to motivate them to do their very best. I remember one student who lost weight over the years. He worked really hard at it and we helped.
Today’s headlines are inundated with topics about: “Weighing Obesity Surgery Risks for Teens" or “Childhood Obesity A Lurking Health Risk" or “Obesity in Children Causes Concern." Earlier this week, I was listening to a news report about a seven-year-old boy who had apparently been received into state’s custody. Weighing in at an unbelievable 250 pounds, he was to have knee replacement surgery at Duke University. This is not only sad but disturbing news.
I want to know what happened to the President’s Council on Health and Fitness, other than a name change? After visiting their website, I found a challenge offered by the President. “ The President's Challenge is a program that encourages all Americans to make being active part of their everyday lives. No matter what your activity and fitness level, the President's Challenge can help motivate you to improve", it states. Who’s accepting the President’s Challenge, I wonder? Are public schools aware there’s a challenge on the table?
Reminiscing again about health and fitness being a vital part of our elementary and secondary education, I discussed my concerns with my oldest sister who is retiring after 35 years as an educator in Florida. I learned Physical Education (P.E.) is only taught three times during one semester. That’s it! I asked her if she remembered P.E. daily in elementary school and weekly in middle and high school. My gym teacher, Mrs. Smith was also the Principal’s wife. She was fit, petite, tough and a drill sergeant! We were not allowed to be wimps or express weakness simply because we were girls. She was in her early forties and challenged us as if she were a teenager. Anytime we could outperform Mrs. Smith, we felt superior in strength and stamina. It was fun and it provided fitness.
I honestly do not understand. As a parent, I would be a thorn in somebody’s side. Correction, I would be a thorn in everyone’s side if my child were not receiving a well-rounded and balanced education. Actually, my child would probably not be in public school. I would find a school that offered a balanced curriculum or resort to home schooling. It seems the public schools “promotes good diet, exercise and lifestyle." Am I the only one who questions the implementation of at least exercising in schools? America's young are putting on too much weight, creating a 'time bomb' of medical and social ills. The experts say the problems and the solutions are rooted in the family. One can agree with that, however, one can also argue parents are not necessarily qualified to provide the solutions and need educating themselves.
Give me facts not complaints. Don’t speak negatively but tell me the facts. Then, find a solution. Believing I have an idea of the problems and solutions doesn’t make it an easy task. What I do not understand is the opportunities the schools have to assist parents with their overweight children while they have a captive audience approximately nine months out of twelve. Children’s minds are malleable and if taught properly, they will teach others, including their parents. I have witnessed such lessons.
Far from just a cosmetic problem, obesity is considered by some experts to be one of the greatest medical risks faced by American children today. Besides diabetes, short- and long-term consequences may include orthopedic problems, premature puberty, respiratory complications, hypertension, heart disease and certain cancers—not to mention reduced self-esteem and socio-economic achievement.
"It is an impending time bomb," said Naomi Neufeld, a UCLA pediatrics endocrinologist. "It's not going to kill them tomorrow, but in terms of a threat to long-term health, it affects more children than any other disease."
If you have or know of a child who needs help, please contact the following agencies. We may read something over and over again and then suddenly we read it and the light bulb goes on. It happens to all of us. Doing something is better than doing nothing at all. It’s not this writer’s place to judge anyone lest of all I be judged. If you’re like me, you welcome assistance and correction, not judgmental contributions.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1-800-232-4636
Contact Congress – an integral part of our democracy. This link will tell you:
· Where to start
· How to find a Congress Member
· How to find a Legislative bill in Congress
· How to communicate with Congressional Staff and provide
· Templates on what to say when calling or writing.
American Heart Association – Learn and Live
You can always speak with your pediatrician or a nutritionist. Finding an activity that your child enjoys and making it a family outing is an easy way to get started. The weather’s lovely in most parts of the country. Pack a nutritious lunch (don’t forget the water) and walk to your picnic location. Walk the zoo, beach, downtown or in the park. Just get your child involved in some sort of physical activity and do it as a family. Invite others to come along and make it a mini-event. It won’t seem like exercise, but fun!
The American Heart Association also offers suggestions on, How to Help Your Kids. As you gain practical tips on helping your kids eat nutritious meals and enjoy a physically active lifestyle, be sure to apply these same behaviors to your own life. The best way to lead your child to a healthy lifestyle is to set a positive example yourself. If you want you child to have a pen pal, I am available. He or she can report to me weekly of their progress or just to talk about their week. Sometimes having a total stranger to talk to helps and motivates. He or she can write to me at my email address . You can of course, read each email first for your approval.
In conclusion, call your school board/district and become involved with the curriculum being offered in the schools. Become an advocate for your child’s sake. Get other parents involved and you can help make a difference. Helping your child develop healthy habits early in life will bring lifelong benefits.
Copyright © 2007 by Avis Ward of GeoVi’s Home for Life
This Article has been viewed 273 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Avis, This a highly informative and beneficial article. I am truly saddened by the level of obesity that affects the lives of our citizens. When I moved to Arizona, I worked in the public schools as a Director of Guidance and Counseling. Students are only required to take one year of PE in High School! My children, who attended high school in Illinois received 3.5 years of Physical Education. I remember that Presidential mandate and how hard the PE teachers worked in Illinois. Thanks again for your timely article.James, thank you so very much for your favorable comments. I also remember how hard the PE teachers worked on The President's Council on Fitness, back in the day. We worked hard too, as I mentioned in the article. I'm sure your children did as well, when they were in Illinois. I would appreciate you sharing any and all of the links given the opportunity. I like change but there are times when I say, "my how things have changed" that I absolutely do not like the changes. This is one time I don't.
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