Conquering Childhood Obesity Research Paper

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Conquering Childhood Obesity Jessica L. Bays Ashford University English 122 February 27, 2012 Vanessa Martin Conquering Childhood Obesity Childhood Obesity has become a significant problem over the last several decades and is steadily increasing. This growing epidemic is affecting children from all racial and cultural backgrounds and regions of the country, and has become one of the most pressing health threats that face the United States. (Daniels, Jacobson, McCrindle, Eckel, Sanner, 2009) There are so many factors that can lead to childhood obesity, and the problems that are caused from this epidemic seem to go on and on. Many people think that dealing with obesity is a personal responsibility, but what we need to realize…show more content…
Prevention may be achieved through a variety of interventions targeting built environment, physical activity, and diet. Some of these possible strategies for intervention in children can be implemented by targeting preschool institutions, schools or after-school care services as natural setting for influencing the diet and physical activity. There are several programs that have been created to help prevent childhood obesity. One is called We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition.) Their goal is to provide parents, caregivers and communities strategies to help children 8 to 13 maintain a healthy weight. A few of the tools and resources that are offered by We Can! are weight management, nutrition, physical activity, and reduced screen time (television) (AHRQ). Another program is School Nurse Childhood Obesity Prevention Education (SCOPE). This program is a complete, continuing education program created by the National Association of School Nurses to provide methods for school nurses to help students, parents and their community deal with the challenges of childhood obesity (NASN). The U.S. Surgeon General’s “Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity” provides steps to prevent and decrease childhood obesity. Children need to have a thorough medical evaluation by a pediatrician to consider the possibility of a physical cause. If there is not a physical disorder, the child’s calorie intake…show more content…
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