Health Care Policy Priority: Childhood Obesity
Danielle Dumele
Chamberlain College of Nursing
January 25th, 2015
Introduction Childhood obesity has been a growing epidemic in the United States for some time. In the past twenty years technology and entertainment has come a long way. With television and video games becoming bigger and better children have grown up in an age where everything is bigger, better, faster. It is easier for a parent to let the television be the baby sitter instead of having them go outside and play. According to a recent study, eight to 18-year old adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media, including, TV, computers, video games, cell phones and movies, and only one-third …show more content…
It is crucial that nurses understand the factors that can lead to weight problems and participate with young people and their families to promote healthy diets and lifestyles. Numerous studies have shown direct links between economic deficit and obesity; theorists have described an ‘obesogenic environment’, in which unhealthy food and lifestyle choices are encouraged above healthy ones (Agrawal, 2012). The continuing effect that childhood eating, sleeping and leisure habits have on unhealthy weight gain is also acknowledged. These factors are all aided by parents or guardians and depend on their parenting skills (Manry, Harding, Ochs, & Schenk-Pitts, 2014).
First Lady Michelle Obama unveiled her “Let 's Move” campaign against childhood obesity on February 9, 2010. The program 's main anti-obesity strategies are enabling parents and consumers by reestablishing the nutritional labeling of products by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), improving the nutritional standards of the National School Lunch Program, increasing children 's opportunities for physical activity, and improving access to high-quality foods in all U.S. communities (Penn & Kerr, …show more content…
The Partnership for a Healthier America teamed up with 157 hospitals to distribute more healthy options throughout their facilities. These hospitals have decided to become fully committed to work over the next three years to improve the nutrition of patient meals as well as providing better food options for the cafeteria as well (www.letsmove.gov). This includes more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low calorie options, and healthy
Danielle Dumele
Chamberlain College of Nursing
January 25th, 2015
Introduction Childhood obesity has been a growing epidemic in the United States for some time. In the past twenty years technology and entertainment has come a long way. With television and video games becoming bigger and better children have grown up in an age where everything is bigger, better, faster. It is easier for a parent to let the television be the baby sitter instead of having them go outside and play. According to a recent study, eight to 18-year old adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media, including, TV, computers, video games, cell phones and movies, and only one-third …show more content…
It is crucial that nurses understand the factors that can lead to weight problems and participate with young people and their families to promote healthy diets and lifestyles. Numerous studies have shown direct links between economic deficit and obesity; theorists have described an ‘obesogenic environment’, in which unhealthy food and lifestyle choices are encouraged above healthy ones (Agrawal, 2012). The continuing effect that childhood eating, sleeping and leisure habits have on unhealthy weight gain is also acknowledged. These factors are all aided by parents or guardians and depend on their parenting skills (Manry, Harding, Ochs, & Schenk-Pitts, 2014).
First Lady Michelle Obama unveiled her “Let 's Move” campaign against childhood obesity on February 9, 2010. The program 's main anti-obesity strategies are enabling parents and consumers by reestablishing the nutritional labeling of products by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), improving the nutritional standards of the National School Lunch Program, increasing children 's opportunities for physical activity, and improving access to high-quality foods in all U.S. communities (Penn & Kerr, …show more content…
The Partnership for a Healthier America teamed up with 157 hospitals to distribute more healthy options throughout their facilities. These hospitals have decided to become fully committed to work over the next three years to improve the nutrition of patient meals as well as providing better food options for the cafeteria as well (www.letsmove.gov). This includes more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low calorie options, and healthy