Unfortunately, fast food has become the meal of choice for many families.
There is so much that is not understood about proper eating, such as: good and
bad carbohydrates http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/sugar.html
I discussed childhood obesity with a pediatric nurse. I was amazed when she informed me that
childhood obesity was not only about children overeating, even though that was the major factor. Some children might be more susceptible to holding on to excess calories
and carbohydrates opposed to processing them based upon their genetic make-up. The fact that children might become
genetically over-weight never crossed my mind, furthermore, the nurse
told me that when children consume unhealthy foods and drinks it does not
help. In addition, she shared with me
that not all carbohydrates are bad; however, good or bad carbohydrates should
be consumed in moderation.
When did offering children nutritious food become a question?
Finally, the nurse expressed to me that many of the children with obesity, she has cared for suffered with arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues commonly found in adults. There is no doubt about it that excessive weight
in young children severely affects their physical, cognitive, and
emotional-social development http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/documents/chaput-tremblayANGxp.pdf
This is not an issue, this is a CRISIS!
Childhood obesity is a silent killer, it is killing children in ways unseen.
I am from an era where children were told, "eat all the food on your plate", well that was not a bad thing because the food back then did not have as many artificial ingredients as do the foods today. In addition, the children watched less TV, and played not as many video games, and the visit to fast food restaurants were a rare treat if any for the entire month, not a weekly or daily visit. We were an active generation that played outside. We rode our bikes, jumped rope, cops & robbers, cowboys & Indians, played hopscotch, toppies, basketball, football, and soccer.
After the discussion with the nurse, I realized that children today are living a more sheltered life than my era. Today, many children are not going out to play as much, perhaps it is due to neighborhood crimes, electronics in the home, lack of parental supervision, or they just do not want to go out. Whatever the reason, many children have become obsessed from the quick foods that are higher in calories and artificial by-products than healthy foods, and the lack of exercise. As educators, we must become informed to get the children up off the couch and out of the house to play like their life depends on it..because it does!
After the discussion with the nurse, I realized that children today are living a more sheltered life than my era. Today, many children are not going out to play as much, perhaps it is due to neighborhood crimes, electronics in the home, lack of parental supervision, or they just do not want to go out. Whatever the reason, many children have become obsessed from the quick foods that are higher in calories and artificial by-products than healthy foods, and the lack of exercise. As educators, we must become informed to get the children up off the couch and out of the house to play like their life depends on it..because it does!
Questions to consider:
What are some
ways to help children not become obese?
What are some ways to help obese children become healthy?
What are some ways to help obese children become healthy?
How might parents select healthier foods on a limited spending budget?
What age should one be mindful of childhood obesity?
