bluephinChildren & Obesity
October 2nd 2006 11:50
According to a fact sheet from the NSW Department of Health in 1995 the proportion of obese children between the ages of 2 to 17 was 21% for boys and 23% for girls.
This percentage has been increasing each year, with the government stepping in and developing ‘management’ plans. In 2002 a new ‘Healthy School Canteen Strategy’ was developed with many schools developing new canteen menus to do their bit to help the rising obesity rates.
My son attends a primary school with a ‘Healthy Menu’ and there is not one sugary, fizzy or fatty item on it. Looking at his menu, you will see on offer (amongst other things) chicken wraps, salad boxes, focaccia sandwiches and low fat caesar salads. I often feel like sending in a lunch order for myself and picking it up during my lunch break.
An overweight child can be subjected to a number of health and emotional problems as a result of their extra weight. From orthopedic problems to gastrointestinal issues, physically their health will deteriorate and worsen as they enter adulthood. Let us not forget about diabetes either. Emotionally it is likely they will suffer from poor self esteem and lack of confidence in their abilities. It’s also more likely that an overweight child will be subjected to bullying as opposed to a child within their healthy weight range.
Socially there are a number of contributing factors to the childhood obesity issue. The introduction of playstations, computer games and other ‘couch’ activities have limited the amount of outdoor play a child receives. The number of lollies and fatty products available has increased steadily and advertising for such products is usually targeted at our children.
Ultimately the onus is on the parent to ensure that their child receives an adequate dietary intake and enough regular exercise. The building bricks for a healthy lifestyle begin at home. It should be noted that some children are battling genetics in their weight issues and some children have medical problems that have caused their weight gain.
You can find some tips on helping maintain a healthy household on the NSW Department of Health website.
Images taken from the NSW Department of Health Website and www.crystalinks.com
This percentage has been increasing each year, with the government stepping in and developing ‘management’ plans. In 2002 a new ‘Healthy School Canteen Strategy’ was developed with many schools developing new canteen menus to do their bit to help the rising obesity rates.
Childhood Weight Statistics
My son attends a primary school with a ‘Healthy Menu’ and there is not one sugary, fizzy or fatty item on it. Looking at his menu, you will see on offer (amongst other things) chicken wraps, salad boxes, focaccia sandwiches and low fat caesar salads. I often feel like sending in a lunch order for myself and picking it up during my lunch break.
An overweight child can be subjected to a number of health and emotional problems as a result of their extra weight. From orthopedic problems to gastrointestinal issues, physically their health will deteriorate and worsen as they enter adulthood. Let us not forget about diabetes either. Emotionally it is likely they will suffer from poor self esteem and lack of confidence in their abilities. It’s also more likely that an overweight child will be subjected to bullying as opposed to a child within their healthy weight range.
Healthy Living? I think not!
Socially there are a number of contributing factors to the childhood obesity issue. The introduction of playstations, computer games and other ‘couch’ activities have limited the amount of outdoor play a child receives. The number of lollies and fatty products available has increased steadily and advertising for such products is usually targeted at our children.
Fun activities for healthy kids
Ultimately the onus is on the parent to ensure that their child receives an adequate dietary intake and enough regular exercise. The building bricks for a healthy lifestyle begin at home. It should be noted that some children are battling genetics in their weight issues and some children have medical problems that have caused their weight gain.
You can find some tips on helping maintain a healthy household on the NSW Department of Health website.
Images taken from the NSW Department of Health Website and www.crystalinks.com
| 223 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
This is a subject close to my own heart. What constantly amazes me is the number of parents who insist on driving their children to school, even when they just live around the corner. I see this every day as I walk my daughter to school - overweight parents sitting in cars with overweight children.
I think part of the problem is that obesity has become more accepted in the school population. When I was at school, fat kids just weren't tolerated by the majority of others, as you say, bullying back then was rife. These days, unfortunately, obese children are everywhere, making flab more normal and, consequently, more acceptable to the kid's peers.
When something is accepted it makes it very difficult to change, especially for a child.
Parents need to see the damage they are causing to their children and do something about it.
A.H.
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
Thanks for reading!
I often wonder if parents decide to drive their kids to school out of fear of them being kidnapped or the like? It's a different society now to the one our parents grew up in.
Of course, there is nothing stopping mum or dad from walking with the child to school (other than time constraints or health issues).
We live about 15klm from Jack's school so I pick him up via car, however, I always park a fair distance away so we have a bit of a 'stroll'. It's out catch up time to talk about his day and I find it helps him to unwind.
Parents have the right to be overweight if they want to - they're of legal age and are generally well informed of the damage they are doing to their bodies. Children have no knowledge of what McDonald's every second night is going to do to their hearts. So as parents, it's our responsibility to educate them.
Hopefully as they grow into adulthood they will make an educated decision on the type of lifestyle they lead by taking example from how their parents raised them.
I agree that because the number of obese children has gradually increased it has meant less of a stigma being placed on these children. I could only imagine though how these children feel about their body image when surrounded by their 'healthy' friends.
Cinico
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Obese parents are a problem, though. Again it's all about learning from the things and the people around you. If your parents think it's OK to be fat then how on earth can the kids grow up associating obesity with bad health. They won't.
I do understand that many families live too far away from schools to be able to walk there each day and I'm pleased to hear that you and your Jack enjoy that bit of time together making your way to and from the car. If only more parents would do that we would probably live in a much better and healthier world.
Love the blog. Keep up the great work.
A.H.
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
Comment by Candice
Comment by Chantal
That was all ok, during puberty but it's very hard now that nature's caught up with me it's not easy to say no to those things!
I saw a child yesterday, no older than 3 or 4 and she was huge. At that age, it's no one's fault but the parents and it's only going to get worse!
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
With an interest in children, chatter and relatives I think you'd like to see my blogs. There are two of
them as you'll see on the logo you'll receive with this comment.
I'd love to have your views and we may even be able to do some constructive interchange later on.
Social interaction is a feature and the blogs are trying to achieve some specific objectives while I
remain receptive to input from others and I'm sure the path will take various unexpected turns.
Do take the time to let your own thought processes roam free on seeing the images. I'm sure you'll
experience some unexpected results.
katyzzz
Comment by KateG
Asperger's Island
Are there any therapies you use to help Jack?
Looking forward to seeing you more, and feel free to ask me any questions on AS you might have, like "why does he do that" and so on
Kate
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
Thanks for your comment!
The thing I don't understand with parents continually feeding babies junk is why? The babies wouldn't know whether or not they're slurping down yoghurt or eating a cupcake.
Is it lack of time to prepare nutritious snacks or meals? Does convenience play a part?
My son is allowed the occassional treat but it's definately not a part of his daily lifestyle. All I have to do is think of how much the junk will clog his tiny arteries and I reach for an apple instead!
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
Healthy canteens are fantastic......back in my high school days (all those long long years ago) we could purchase pies, sausage rolls, chips, softdrink, lollies, icecreams...
Come to think of it, the food on offer resembled the products of a mini mart. No wonder their profits were huge.
Having done my stint as a volunteer mum in the canteen, I noticed that it takes a lot more effort to prepare the healthier meals - but the effort is definately worth it.
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
Thanks for checking out my blog.
I'll definately drop by your blogs for a wander.
Cinico
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
I'll definately be stopping by your blog on a regular basis!
Things are still very new with Jack at the moment so we are in the 'information gaining' stage.
He is a cute boy - takes after his mum!
I look forward to reading more of your posts and hopefully corresponding with you.
Take care
Cinico
Comment by KateG
Asperger's Island