Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) childhood obesity in the United States has tripled during the past m30 years. The percentage of children aged 6-11 in the US who are obese increased from 7% in 1980 to almost 20% in 2008 (statistics from CDC). Obesity is defined as having excess body fat and is usually caused by a caloric imbalance.
The resulting effects of juvenile obesity are staggering. Children who are overweight have an increased risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and bone and joint problems. Obesity can also lead to social and psychological problems as well.
What is it that teachers can do to encourage student to eat well and exercise and choose a healthy lifestyle ? There are numerous opportunities for lessons to help students get the message. The program Let’s Move is supported by First Lady Michelle Obama and is designed to promote physical activity for children. The web site provides tips on nutrition as well as physical activity and exercise. You can find the site at http://www.letsmove.gov/. Currently there is White House Task Force investigating childhood obesity in this country.
The National Football League launched a program in 2007 called “Play 60.” It encourages students to engage in 60 minutes of play (physical activity) every day. More information about Play 60 can be obtained from their web site http://www.nfl.com/play60. There are separate links for adults and children. Activities include games contest and videos. The NFL has invested over $200 million into the program to date.
As a result of a Jim Lehrer special PBS, there is a web site with 15 weeks of specific lesson plans to assist teachers in providing students with information for making healthy lifestyle choices. Funding for this project came in part from the Met Life Foundation. Access this site at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/lessonplans/health/fitness/fitforlife.html
Many colleges and universities that have health and exercise science programs or family and consumer science programs can provide teachers with a wealth of information about healthy diet and physical exercise. As an example here is a site from Purdue University. http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/CFS/CFS-736-W.pdf
Let’s strive to make 2012 a healthy year for all of us- students and teachers.
As always your comments and suggestions are welcome.
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