support the argument
The target group that I have chosen for this discussion is the pediatric population. I am a nurse in a busy pediatric emergency room and as I enter the triage information for most of our patients, I am often given a warning that is alerting me to recheck the weight of the patient as they are considered overweight. Time after time I find myself rechecking the weight and reentering the same weight. Obesity has become an epidemic and a major health issue. Changes in the way we live, unhealthy dietary habits, decreased activity levels of children due to laptops, Nintendo’s, smart phones, and tablets have all contributed to obesity.
According to National Institute of Health (2011) obesity rates have nearly tripled among youth over the past 3 decades; today, about 1 in 3 children and teens in the U.S. is considered overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to many health complications such as asthma, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and many other problems. For young kids and teens, it may also lead to depression, social isolation, and low self-esteem.
Parents can help their children by setting a positive example and creating an environment which encourages, celebrates, and rewards physical activity and healthy eating habits. According to National Institute of Health (2011) adults can help shape the environment that children interact with by providing opportunities to eat healthy foods—such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains—and limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and fast food.
According. to NIH (2011) experts agree on a theory that suggests our weight is affected by how our environment is structured, known as the “built environment,” it includes not only your home but also everything in your neighborhood and community, including how the roads, parks and food sources are laid out. Experts say built environments don’t just affect physical activity; they also affect the foods we choose and how much time we spend inside.
I agree with the built environment theory. As important as family involvement and individual choice is in creating healthy eating habits and a physically active lifestyle, communities can also help in different ways. They can start by removing all unhealthy vending machines and only allowing healthy snacks vending machines, placing more exercise equipment in parks that children will want to use, provide easier access to fresh and nutritious foods.
It is also important for parents to come up with fun ways to include the child in making healthier and better choices. They can do that by making their favorite dishes healthier, decrease the size of the portions, have their child participate in their favorite sports, and finally reduce the time children watch television or play video games. It is vital for parents and communities to unite as to empower children to take an initiative towards a healthier lifestyle and prevent future health complications.
Reference:
Weighty Issues for Kids. (2011, June 29). Retrieved from https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2011/10/weighty-issues-kids
