Children face many challenges as they grow: Learn how to make and keep friends, get homework done and have fun while remaining safe. But children today are now facing a problem increasingly large puts them at risk for a number of medical conditions life. This problem is childhood obesity.
Children will not be able to fight it on your own. Fortunately, there are many things that families and communities can do to help reduce childhood obesity.
Obesity rates have nearly tripled among young people in the last three decades. Today, children and adolescents aged between one and three in the United States is considered overweight or obese.
Being overweight increases the chances of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, asthma, liver disease and various cancers. Other obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol are increasingly diagnosed in childhood.
Unfortunately, the medical problems are not the only problems these children face. Children and adolescents are obese also struggle with social discrimination, low self esteem and depression. They are more likely to become obese adults and face ongoing problems.
The main causes of overweight in childhood are similar to those of adults. Obesity has a strong genetic component, and our in-the-car, computer-related, the company contributes to the problem of food for a growing number of people of all ages. But you can help counteract these influences by creating an environment for their child that promotes healthy eating and physical activity. This effort starts at home.
"Adults can help shape the environment that children interact with the provision of opportunities to eat healthy foods like vegetables, fruits and cereals, whole-limit sugary drinks and fast food," says Dr. Kayla Esposito, who oversees Some NH research on childhood obesity. "It is also important to limit screen time in televisions, computers and video games, and provide opportunities for physical activity."
"The latest studies show that getting enough sleep can also be important for weight control," says Esposito. Experts agree that our weight is affected by how our environment is structured. Known as the "built environment" that includes not only your home, but also everything in your neighborhood and community, including how roads, parks and food sources are established. Experts say built environments affect not only physical activity; which also affect the foods we choose and the amount of time spent indoors.
While it is important for individuals and families to engage in healthy eating and physical activity, the larger community can also play a role. Children move in different environments that shape and affect their decisions about food and activity. Parents, caregivers, schools, governments, community groups and religious organizations can also help to develop healthy working environments, support to encourage the election of a long life.
"I think many people have the feeling that it is the will and the things that are completely under the control of people," says Dr. Stephen Daniels, a pediatrician and researcher at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. "If this were the case, we will not have the obesity epidemic we will have. We live in an environment that is not structured to enhance the activity options and food."
For example, many communities do not have grocery stores, which may mean less access to fresh, nutritious food. In some neighborhoods, packaged, processed snacks offered at convenience stores and corner markets are the only options available.
Some communities do not have safe playgrounds or sidewalks, so children are forced to spend their free time indoors. Sitting rather than move makes it much more difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
Among the many NH ongoing studies in this area are two new major research efforts to curb the epidemic of childhood obesity in the nation. A long-term approaches to evaluate success to prevent or treat childhood obesity. The other will examine community efforts were made to reduce childhood obesity.
Instead of focusing solely on the behavior of individuals, these new studies are based on existing long-term interventions and consider different levels of influence, including youth organizations in the community, school, home and families.
"The focus is now on the approaches on many levels. It is not just the individual but the family doctor, schools and the wider community," says Dr. Charlotte Pratt NH, which manages the new studies. "We learned things that work in a unique environment, but children do not live only at home."
It is important that parents, teachers and communities to feel empowered in this struggle for the health of a generation and be healthy models.
"Parents have a very important voice that policy makers need to hear," Esposito said. She encourages parents and communities to think about what they have to change, and then ask. Think of what is marketed to children, if you want more walk able streets or parks, or need access to healthy foods and farmers markets.
You could try to make a list of improvements you can make in your community. After meeting with neighbors and local leaders to discuss how you can make these ideas a reality. Consider talking to your local school board or PTA offers food or advertise in school.
Many communities have started to improve access and maintenance of local parks; requesting roads and trails for bikes safe and usable; ask for healthier meals and more physical activity at school; and explore ways to address the lack of food choices and nourishing.
While you are working to create a healthy environment, be aware that their behavior is a powerful example for their children. If parents do not make changes and healthy choices for themselves, then it is difficult to expect children to understand what is best and make informed decisions for themselves.
NH has many resources to help you and your children to get on the road to a healthier life. Be sure to check the links on our website.