 
ACTION ALERT!!!!!!!
POOR NUTRITION AND CHILDHOOD OBESITY
February, 2004
It seems we have seen an explosion of information
in the media and medical journals about the
rise of childhood obesity. How did we get here?
Are we not one of the wealthiest and healthiest
nations in the world? If we are not, how can
this be?
It wasn’t too long ago that school lunch
programs were started for the sole purpose
of improving childhood nutrition. The National
School Lunch Program and the prosperity that
followed World War II eventually lead to the
statement in 1955 by a government expert that
the evidence “supports the conclusion
that the nation as a whole is fairly well fed.” When
President Truman signed the National School
Lunch Program into law in 1946, he said that, “no
nation is any healthier than its children.” That
is a sobering thought.
A great article about this subject can be
found in Mothering Magazine, # 121 November/December
2003, pages 34-43. It is a must read and filled
with wonderful suggestions for community action.
Let’s review a few important facts. As
television viewing, computers, various electronic
games and consumption of fast food has risen
sharply over the years, we have also seen a
rise in obesity and related disease. One of
the biggest problems is type II diabetes, also
called adult onset diabetes. This type of diabetes
is rising in children and it is due to our
modern lifestyles and eating habits. Between
15 to 24 percent of American children are overweight-a
threefold increase since the 1970’s.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) recently warned that if the current trend
continues, one in three Americans born in 2000
will develop diabetes.
The above information paints a clear picture
we are all too aware of. The time for action
is now. The dietary choices we make for our
children when they are young, will affect their
health in the present, in the future and forever.
What can we do? It begins at home and in our
schools.
- Minimize TV, computer use and electronic
games.
- Don’t buy soft drinks, junk food,
or fast food.
- Start habits early in regards to exercise
that is fun and family oriented.
- Have healthy snacks out after school( vegetables,
fruits, yogurt, nuts and seeds).
- Encourage after school activities to minimize
sedentary lifestyles.
- Teach yourself and your children what good
nutrition is.
- Get involved with your local schools and
inquire about lunch and snack choices. Do
they have soda and candy machines and desserts?
When it comes to our children’s health
the buck stops with us. Be an example and a
role model. Their health for now and the future
is in your hands.
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