Childhood Obesity - A growing concern

There is an increasing problem of childhood obesity and although these statistics are taken from US children, Australian's are not far behind.

First we need to set our objectives:
1. Identify the health risks of obese children;
2. Identify the causes of weight gain in children;
3. Identify how to put healthy weight solutions for children into practice;
4. Add a day of recreational activity per week.
5. Include at least one more fruit or vegetable in the diet per day; and
6. Eat one less high fat meal per week.

Only 9% of children ages 6-11 eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
In one study of elementary age children, the only fruit or vegetable source of 40% of the children was French fries or tomato sauce.

Children are doing poorly following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The average elementary age child exceeds the recommendations for fat, saturated fat, and sodium.

National surveys show that calcium intake is declining for elementary age children.

Children and adults alike are getting more overweight.

The Kellogg Childrens Nutrition Survey reported that sodas, cupcakes, cookies and candy edged out fruit and vegetable consumption. Beef, pork, hot dogs and hamburgers were eaten more often than lower fat selections of turkey, chicken or fish.

Quick Quiz:
When are lifetime nutrition habits formed?
In childhood

Too little fat may be dangerous for children under two years of age.
True

Children over the age of two should eat a variety of foods.
True

What are some of the causes of weight gain in children?
Poor dietary habits (too much fat in the diet, too many calories, lack of variety, overeating), heredity, family lifestyle (lack of exercise, too much television, a lot of eating out), socioeconomic status, ethnicity

What are some of the health risks associated with children being overweight?
High blood pressure; high blood cholesterol; social stresses; psychological stresses; greater risk for heart disease, gallbladder disease, arthritis, and certain cancers

How do you help children develop good eating habits?
Emphasize eating the Food Guide Pyramid and Dietary Guidelines way; set a good example; let them decide how much to eat, but offer healthy choices; educate them about fat, sugar and sodium and health risks associated with overindulging

How often should children exercise or participate in recreational activities?
As often as possible! Daily!

Activities for Children
Fruit Scrambleby Connie Evers, nutritionforkids.com

Some fruits grow free on trees...
PAPELS _ _ _ _ _ _
ECHPAES _ _ _ _ _ _ _
SRAEP _ _ _ _ _

Some fruits grow just fine on a vine...
PGARES _ _ _ _ _ _
WIKIRFIUF _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Some fruits hang around on the ground...
TWMLAREEON _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
ENPPPAELI _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
RBSWARTESIER _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Some fruits feel pushed to hang on a bush:
SIRBUBLEERE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
RSBRISEREPA _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

***See bottom for Answers

Have you ever eaten carambola (star fruit)? How about guava, papaya, mangoes or kumquats? See if you can find these fruits and others that are new to you at the grocery store or produce market. What kind of plants do these fruits grow on?

Exercise
Make chalk circles or use hula hoops for young children and chairs for older children. Have as many circles or hula hoops in the shape of a ring as you have children. Start the music and have the children skip, hop or jump around the ring. Stop the music. After each round, a circle or chair is declared “out”. The goal is to find a way to fit everyone in the decreasing number of circles or chairs. You can help the kids play by suggesting creative solutions, such as to put just one hand or foot into the space. Together older children must figure out ways to get everyone onto the chair gently, without pushing or causing anyone to fall off.

***Wordlist Answers:
Apples, peaches, pears, grapes, kiwifruit, watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries Family/Teacher/Caregiver Research Ideaby Connie Evers.