by Pennie Sempell, JD CMT
Obesity and overweight among youth are at a record high, affecting 1 in every 3 children nationally, and 2 in every 3 adults. I participated at the Southern Obesity Summit (“SOS”) this week in Charlotte, NC and was impressed by the tremendous efforts being made in the sixteen southern states to curb the tide and reverse it. It is a complex and challenging goal. Cornerstones of the efforts at local, county, state and federal levels can be summarized in the catchy phrase “Move more, eat smart”.
Among the problems being tackled are the excessive availability of low-quality/high calorie foods at convenience stores and fast food joints (“food swamps”), and the lack of availability of fresh foods (“food deserts”) in too many neighborhoods. Increasing the quality of foods at schools and taking away junk food vending machines are efforts showing success in some schools, sometimes with youth advocate like “Rethink” leading the way.
Encouraging trends in schools are “community gardens” springing up like wildflowers in schoolyards and in vacant city lots. The idea is that children learn by growing their own food, are active while engaged in it, and may appreciate eating it, too! Currently, nutrition education is being taught far less than recommended by experts in classrooms, and competition for classroom time is stiff. Guidelines vary, however, 15 minutes a week seemed mid-way in the recommendations.
Everyone acknowledges that kids who come to school well fed and well rested are better learners. Sadly, that is not the case for a great many children.
Healthy changes in diet and increasing activity to 60+ minutes a day are the goals. On the activity side, a priority has been creating “safe routes” so kids can walk or bike to school again or safely walk in their neighborhoods (just like we did in the old days, not that long ago, actually). Sidewalks, street lights, and crosswalks make that more likely to happen. Restoring recesses and PE classes is another push.
My poster presentation exposed the impact of stress on obesity, and the key role that mental/emotional and social well being play in health, including the ability to make and sustain life style changes such as those needed to lose weight and keep it off. Studies show that kids today are more stressed than ever before. The good news is that youth can learn skills to de-stress with minimum expense.
If you or a family member needs assistance with weight, learn about the efforts and resources online and in your area. Your doctor, or the public health department is a good place to start.
Author of 'Healthier Happier Life Skills' series for home and classroom and the multi-award winning 'Best of Broadway and Beyond: Health Series', Pennie Sempell helps children and parents with tools for reducing stress, calming down, improving communication, developing good character, and much more. The new HealthRaiser is an easy fundraiser for parent/teacher and nonprofit groups. Check it out today. www.HealthierHappierLife.com
Obesity and overweight among youth are at a record high, affecting 1 in every 3 children nationally, and 2 in every 3 adults. I participated at the Southern Obesity Summit (“SOS”) this week in Charlotte, NC and was impressed by the tremendous efforts being made in the sixteen southern states to curb the tide and reverse it. It is a complex and challenging goal. Cornerstones of the efforts at local, county, state and federal levels can be summarized in the catchy phrase “Move more, eat smart”.
Among the problems being tackled are the excessive availability of low-quality/high calorie foods at convenience stores and fast food joints (“food swamps”), and the lack of availability of fresh foods (“food deserts”) in too many neighborhoods. Increasing the quality of foods at schools and taking away junk food vending machines are efforts showing success in some schools, sometimes with youth advocate like “Rethink” leading the way.
Encouraging trends in schools are “community gardens” springing up like wildflowers in schoolyards and in vacant city lots. The idea is that children learn by growing their own food, are active while engaged in it, and may appreciate eating it, too! Currently, nutrition education is being taught far less than recommended by experts in classrooms, and competition for classroom time is stiff. Guidelines vary, however, 15 minutes a week seemed mid-way in the recommendations.
Everyone acknowledges that kids who come to school well fed and well rested are better learners. Sadly, that is not the case for a great many children.
Healthy changes in diet and increasing activity to 60+ minutes a day are the goals. On the activity side, a priority has been creating “safe routes” so kids can walk or bike to school again or safely walk in their neighborhoods (just like we did in the old days, not that long ago, actually). Sidewalks, street lights, and crosswalks make that more likely to happen. Restoring recesses and PE classes is another push.
My poster presentation exposed the impact of stress on obesity, and the key role that mental/emotional and social well being play in health, including the ability to make and sustain life style changes such as those needed to lose weight and keep it off. Studies show that kids today are more stressed than ever before. The good news is that youth can learn skills to de-stress with minimum expense.
If you or a family member needs assistance with weight, learn about the efforts and resources online and in your area. Your doctor, or the public health department is a good place to start.
Author of 'Healthier Happier Life Skills' series for home and classroom and the multi-award winning 'Best of Broadway and Beyond: Health Series', Pennie Sempell helps children and parents with tools for reducing stress, calming down, improving communication, developing good character, and much more. The new HealthRaiser is an easy fundraiser for parent/teacher and nonprofit groups. Check it out today. www.HealthierHappierLife.com
