Creating Health: Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is not a cosmetic problem, but rather one of the most significant contemporary health problems in the U.S. More than five million American children are overweight or obese, and therefore heading down a road that leads to increased risk of Type II diabetes, respiratory and heart problems, and high blood pressure, not to mention social stigma issues. Creating Health: Childhood Obesity asks the question: how can adults help to reverse this dangerous trend? Educator responsibility is examined through a case study in which a school not only sent home letters alerting parents to their child's unhealthy BMI (body mass index), but also eliminated soda and unhealthy snack vending machines, while simultaneously launching a lunch program featuring a more balanced menu (physical education is also addressed, including the notion of adding more activity choices and individual sports such as dance or mountain biking). Parental responsibility is encouraged through practical tips regarding portion control, eating out, exercise and activity, and reward-based systems for the overweight child. Finally, community involvement, such as healthy co-op gardens in urban areas, is addressed. Pointing out that children aren't concerned about long-term health--they just want to do things that are fun--the program provides solid suggestions to help adults assist in breaking the cycle of childhood obesity. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (E. Gieschen)