Childhood obesity has escalated to epidemic proportions in the United States creating major health problems for some youth. Statistics reflect that high percentages of African-American, Hispanic and Native-American children are obese. What does this mean for our youth population? Along with psychological and emotional consequences, obesity is linked to high levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood fats that put overweight children at risk of diseases such as diabetes. Findings from a study of school-age children showed an increased incidence of type II diabetes among those who were overweight.
Health and wellness are important to individual and family well-being. But, good health doesn't just happen. It comes with practicing learned habits of eating right, making healthy choices and being physically active. In order to grow and develop properly, children need to eat a variety of nutritious foods as outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2000 established by the United States Department of Agriculture. Whether or not children develop eating habits that promote healthy development depends largely on parents and the patterns that are set early in life. Health smart parents know that good eating habits mean setting good examples for their children. This includes buying and preparing nutritious foods and encouraging regular exercise.
Families should make it a practice to follow the Food Guide Pyramid to create a healthy balance of foods from each group. Consumption of foods that are high in fats and cholesterol should be controlled. Food labels provide essential information about the fat and cholesterol levels found in most foods. Sweets, snacks and fast foods are often high in fat, cholesterol and calories, so parents should encourage tasty alternatives. By eating more foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, families and children can get more of the vitamins, minerals, and fiber that the body needs.
Families are encouraged to work together to maintain good healthy eating. Do not be taken in by television, radio and magazine ads that offer quick solutions. Changes in family eating habits should be made gradually so family members can stay on course. Drastic changes may be short-lived. For best results in promoting behavioral changes, families should plan together and eat together. Consuming nutritious meals in a family setting can help young people make the transition to healthier eating.
Parents should provide opportunities for youth to get some exercise daily, especially on the weekends. Family outings that involve hiking, cycling, skating and swimming, promote good physical exercise. Small changes in our lifestyles can have big results. Make exercising and eating properly a family affair, and take comfort in knowing that you are not alone!
As a support base for parents, Extension educational outreach programs seek to improve a youth's ability to make wise choices by enhancing their general knowledge of foods and food sources. Programs like the Urban Youth Farm Day in Madison County have improved the general awareness of urban youth about the origin of food products. In a recent effort, the Urban Affairs unit and the Madison County Extension office have partnered with the Madison County Commission, District Six, to pilot test a comprehensive program for urban youth that supports growing, preparing and eating nutritious foods for improved health. Contact your local Extension office for more information on health and nutrition programs for youth in your community.
References:
Rosenthal, Lisa. (November 14, 2002). An apple a day can't keep the junk food away from the school cafeteria. Retrieved December 17, 2002, from http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/al/253.
Sally Squires. (November 3, 1998). Obesity-linked diabetes rising in children. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved December 17, 2002, from http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/WP%20Obesity%20Article.htm.
National Institute of Health. (1992). Cholesterol in children: Healthy eating is a family affair. National Cholesterol Education Program.