|
FAT KIDS IN SCHOOL |
Article Submitted by: derrick blair
Saturday, 20 February 2010
|
Children in the United States are becoming more overweight and obese, putting them at risk for serious health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and elevated cholesterol and blood pressure levels. In addition to the risk of obesity-related health concerns, poor food choices could lead to other health concerns, like osteoporosis from inadequate calcium intake. In response to growing concerns over obesity, national attention has focused on the need to establish school nutrition standards and limit access to competitive foods. As a result, over the past few years, school nutrition policy initiatives have been put into place at federal, state, and local levels. However, responses of school districts to meeting wellness policy requirements have not been consistent. A National Parent Teacher Association survey indicates that approximately two-fifths of the nation's elementary schools have abolished recesses or are currently considering such eliminations. Other schools seem to have been influenced by litigious fears prompted by ever-increasing numbers of frivolous lawsuits. Instead of doing away with recess altogether, they have taken to restricting students from participating in any activities which could cause injury. Some schools have even posted "No Running" signs on playgrounds. Additionally, physical education classes, which were once a required component of every school's curriculum, have been disappearing from schools altogether, as districts attempt to tighten their collective belts and see P.E. as acceptable collateral damage in their fight to ensure that no child is left behind. The irony of declining physical activity in schools is absurdly underscored by the increased accessibility to junk food. The federal government provides minimal standards for ensuring nutrition in foods served and sold in the country's schools, adopting a laissez faire attitude toward these "competitive foods" that comprise an unhealthy bulk of students' daily diet. Or Have You Not Gone Far Enough? Many children are spending more time in school, after-school programs, and daycare, and less time at home. Additionally, the increased need for two incomes to support a family means fewer opportunities for parents and children to interact. When they don't have the time to do otherwise, parents are, at best, conferring many of their parenting responsibilities upon schools and quality childcare programs. Unfortunately, there are others who see fit to trust their child's upbringing to the 21st century's newest nannies, PlayStation® and Xbox®. This latter trend is leading children toward more sedentary pursuits, encouraging them to stay indoors on the weekends and after school rather than enjoy an afternoon pick-up ball game or hide and seek. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of the Sciences, and its report, "Focus on Childhood Obesity," approximately 9 million children, six years of age and older, are currently obese. The report indicates that since the 1970s, the percentage of obesity in preschool-age children (2-5 years) and adolescents (12-19 years) has doubled, while for children aged 6-11 years, that percentage has more than tripled. While the trend toward child obesity cannot be placed entirely at the feet of the nation's schools, many do not seem too concerned with finding a solution. The question, then, becomes: what are you prepared to do for the health and welfare of your child? Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
Born in Kingston Jamaica in the year 1965. Been involved in child nutrition since 1990.Started
writing articles since 2005.My site http://www.kidzandstuff.com was conceived to serve the needs of
parents who want to give their kids that extra boost in life, to gain that edge.Also to help
themselves too,in the process.Can also be found at http://kidzandstuff.yolasite.com
Born in Kingston Jamaica in the year 1965. Been involved in child nutrition since 1990.Started writing articles since 2005.My site http://www.kidzandstuff.com was conceived to serve the needs of
parents who want to give their kids that extra boost in life, to gain that edge.Also to help
themselves too,in the process.Can also be found at http://kidzandstuff.yolasite.com
You are welcome to publish this article free of charge on your website, newsletter, or e-zine, provided:
- You don't change the article in any way
- You include the entire article, including the "about the author" box
- All hyperlinks must remain intact, including email addresses, and the link to ArticleBlast.com at the bottom
- In doing so you agree to indemnify the article's author, and ArticleBlast.com and its directors, officers, employees and agents from and against all losses, claims, damages and liabilities which arise out of its use
- It is also recommended that you provide a courtesy copy of your publication to the author of the article
