Homer not immune to childhood obesity
More of America’s children are watching too much television, eating bad food and becoming obese than ever before, says the American Obesity Association. And this lifestyle is causing significant health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.
According to the association’s Web site www.obesity.org, about 15.5 percent of adolescents (ages 12 to 19) and 15.3 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are obese.
And this percentage has grown significantly since the late 1970s, when only about five to seven percent of children and adolescents were obese.
According to the fall Presidential Fitness Test held each year at Homer schools, 18.9 percent of third through sixth grade students in Homer weighed more than the normal recommended range.
These kids are not necessarily considered obese, as there are several factors, including recent growth spurts and bone mass, that can skew the data.
But it does show Homer’s kids are facing similar problems with weight as kids in other parts of the country.
Obesity is defined in different ways, but the Centers for Disease Control suggests that children at or above the 85th percentile of their published growth charts are considered at risk, while those at or above the 95th percentile are more seriously at risk.
For instance, an 11-year-old boy would be considered seriously at risk and obese if he weighed 115 pounds, while a 13-year-old girl is obese if she weighs more than 150 pounds.
Like in the adult population, obesity in children can cause many health problems.
According to the association, pediatricians are reporting more frequent cases of type 2 diabetes, asthma and hypertension — all of which were once considered only adult conditions.
Obesity in children can also lead to poor self-esteem, depression and withdrawal from peers and lead to skin disorders and bone ailments.
Genetics often plays a role in childhood obesity, but several other causes can be modified to prevent problems.
Most notably, a lack of physical activity or sedentary behavior can often lead to obesity.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, America’s children watch about four hours of TV a day — even though the AAP guidelines say children older than 2 should watch no more than one to two hours a day of quality programming.
Video game usage is also up significantly, as is the amount of time children sit in front of computers each day.
Tari Hoeft, a physical education teacher at West Homer Elementary and Paul Banks Elementary School, said inactivity is the biggest cause of students becoming overweight.
“A lot of our problem is the lack of kids physically playing outside and in their yards,” Hoeft said. “In my neighborhood I don’t see many kids running around.”
Safety and supervision concerns often limit kids outdoor play time. But when they do play, like during Hoeft’s PE classes held twice a week for 30 minutes, some of the kids show signs of asthma or are simply out of shape or tire out quickly, she said.
Other factors that lead to obesity include over-consumption of high-calorie foods such as candy and potato chips, an over-exposure to advertisements that promote these types of foods and sodas, a lack of recreational facilities and socioeconomic status.
Obesity experts often say families play the most important role in curbing what is being called by many a national epidemic.
These experts suggest families should make more time for physical activity, assign active chores around the house and encourage children to try a new sport.
Healthy diets rich in fruits, vegetables and grains should be followed closely, should be prepared together and eaten at regular times.
Schools should also provide healthy food choices to students, the association says, and extracurricular physical activities should be available.
In Homer, schools offer several active choices for kids after school, while Community School Programs, the Boys and Girls Club, and sports programs are available to kids from first grade through high school. And Hoeft said fitness levels in Homer have increased in recent years.
Three years ago, two students in grades K-6 met all five standards for the National Presidential Physical Fitness Award. This fall 15 met all five standards, she said.
Source: HomerNews
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According to the association’s Web site www.obesity.org, about 15.5 percent of adolescents (ages 12 to 19) and 15.3 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are obese.
And this percentage has grown significantly since the late 1970s, when only about five to seven percent of children and adolescents were obese.
According to the fall Presidential Fitness Test held each year at Homer schools, 18.9 percent of third through sixth grade students in Homer weighed more than the normal recommended range.
These kids are not necessarily considered obese, as there are several factors, including recent growth spurts and bone mass, that can skew the data.
But it does show Homer’s kids are facing similar problems with weight as kids in other parts of the country.
Obesity is defined in different ways, but the Centers for Disease Control suggests that children at or above the 85th percentile of their published growth charts are considered at risk, while those at or above the 95th percentile are more seriously at risk.
For instance, an 11-year-old boy would be considered seriously at risk and obese if he weighed 115 pounds, while a 13-year-old girl is obese if she weighs more than 150 pounds.
Like in the adult population, obesity in children can cause many health problems.
According to the association, pediatricians are reporting more frequent cases of type 2 diabetes, asthma and hypertension — all of which were once considered only adult conditions.
Obesity in children can also lead to poor self-esteem, depression and withdrawal from peers and lead to skin disorders and bone ailments.
Genetics often plays a role in childhood obesity, but several other causes can be modified to prevent problems.
Most notably, a lack of physical activity or sedentary behavior can often lead to obesity.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, America’s children watch about four hours of TV a day — even though the AAP guidelines say children older than 2 should watch no more than one to two hours a day of quality programming.
Video game usage is also up significantly, as is the amount of time children sit in front of computers each day.
Tari Hoeft, a physical education teacher at West Homer Elementary and Paul Banks Elementary School, said inactivity is the biggest cause of students becoming overweight.
“A lot of our problem is the lack of kids physically playing outside and in their yards,” Hoeft said. “In my neighborhood I don’t see many kids running around.”
Safety and supervision concerns often limit kids outdoor play time. But when they do play, like during Hoeft’s PE classes held twice a week for 30 minutes, some of the kids show signs of asthma or are simply out of shape or tire out quickly, she said.
Other factors that lead to obesity include over-consumption of high-calorie foods such as candy and potato chips, an over-exposure to advertisements that promote these types of foods and sodas, a lack of recreational facilities and socioeconomic status.
Obesity experts often say families play the most important role in curbing what is being called by many a national epidemic.
These experts suggest families should make more time for physical activity, assign active chores around the house and encourage children to try a new sport.
Healthy diets rich in fruits, vegetables and grains should be followed closely, should be prepared together and eaten at regular times.
Schools should also provide healthy food choices to students, the association says, and extracurricular physical activities should be available.
In Homer, schools offer several active choices for kids after school, while Community School Programs, the Boys and Girls Club, and sports programs are available to kids from first grade through high school. And Hoeft said fitness levels in Homer have increased in recent years.
Three years ago, two students in grades K-6 met all five standards for the National Presidential Physical Fitness Award. This fall 15 met all five standards, she said.
Source: HomerNews
Buy Hoodia Gordonii Diet Pills, Noni Juices and Aloe products at http://www.hoodialatina.com
Buy aloe raw materials and finished products at
http://www.aloetrade.com.ar
Buy Aloe Products in Spain, Italy and Portugal at
http://www.dietahoodia.com
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