Childhood Obesity - What Can We Do?
April 23rd, 2008 · Filed Under: Childhood Obesity
Hi everyone…I really feel passionate about doing my part to help stop childhood obesity from becoming the ‘trend’ that it has recently. I want to make a difference. I feel lost at times at what kind of approach to take.
I love being around children and was thinking about creating some sort of outdoor fitness session for kids. I have not worked any specific details yet.
However, then I start thinking that what if I do this and then they go home to their parents where they are only offered processed, high fatty foods? All of my efforts would be abolished. Or would they?
Then I start to think that maybe I should be targeting the parents by doing some sort of nutrition class and/or even a seminar to share ideas on how to organize your life to create more time towards making healthy meals. I could also talk about how to combat excuses towards exercise; the importance of role modeling; limiting beliefs; and how to attain an unstoppable attitude.
So this is where I’m at. I was hoping for your input.
What would you like to see in your own community to help stop the childhood obesity trend? Or, do you have any suggestions about who/whom the target should be in terms of stopping this trend from continuing. Do you feel obesity stems from a variety of factors?
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Have a terrific day!
Angie
ISSA-C.P.T.
B.Ed.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Hi Angie,
My town was rated the fattest in the state. That’s based on driver’s licenses. However, the habits that made the parents that was, most of the time pass down to the children. There are kids that are very overweight and it’s upsetting.
My town has started an initiative called “Activate”. We have a nice bike path and an indoor running track available to the public. The school district has changed their menu to be healthier.
I think that targeting the schools, youth groups, YMCA, YWCA, and parents is the way to go. Get the word going from the kids to parents, parents to kids, school to parents and kids, youth groups to community, etc… This is war and attacking obesity on all fronts is a must to make a huge difference. If the message is sent to one then it may not filter to who needs the help.
As far as a product, do local school trainings. Get with the young principals and gym teachers. Do this in elementary schools, where it will make a bigger difference. Then package that and offer that fun training. I think the end result will be that it has to be targeted to the kids. They are the ones who are moldable in their young age. They are the ones who will impact the world in a healthier way.