...Advocacy Program on Childhood Obesity Name: Institutional Affiliation: Date: Part 1: Childhood Obesity Statistics and studies on childhood obesity indicate that obesity disproportionately affects individuals from racial minority groups and that the prevalence of the condition is increasing among such populations. Childhood obesity is a significant health issue that has numerous consequences on the affected persons and their families. The increase in childhood obesity incidences among minority populations arises from economic, cultural, and political conditions that have had an impact on the environments in which children from such groups grow. According to Caprio, Daniels, Drewnowski, Kaufman, Palinkas, Rosenbloom, & Schwimmer (2008), minority populations such as Native Americans, Mexican Americans, and African Americans experience higher prevalence rates of childhood obesity than other ethnic groups. For instance, non-Hispanic whites had 14.1%, non-Hispanic blacks had 20.2%, and the Hispanics recorded 22.4% of childhood obesity (Ogden et al., 2014). The prevalence of childhood obesity also depends on other factors such as the literacy levels of the household heads and the gender and age of the children. Members of minority populations experience numerous challenges accessing affordable health care, healthy foods and live in neighborhood environments that predispose them to obesity. Although childhood obesity is caused by several factors, the...
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...Health Advocacy Campaign Childhood obesity is considered one of the major pressing health issues of our century. The rate of childhood obesity has increased alarmingly, with the number of obese children under five globally standing at over 42 million today. Approximately 35 million of obese children are living in the developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) children who are obese and overweight are very likely to stay obese into their adulthood; further, they stand a high chance of developing non communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease while they are still young (Cheng, 2013). The purpose of this paper is to highlight the gravity of childhood obesity based on statistics and the health effects that the issue has on the children and impacts in the society. Further, the study will develop a health advocacy plan for the problem. Review laws, regulations, and ethical issues that could impact health advocacy plan in regards to childhood obesity. Population Health Issue and Population Affected Childhood obesity has spread to global dimensions and is progressively affecting many low- and middle-income countries, and particularly those that are domiciled in urban settings. In the US alone, one in every five children is obese or overweight; this number is on the rise. Although weight problems can be traced back to the family genealogy, however, this is not all children who come from families that have a known...
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...The Population health issue I have selected is Obesity. It is a serious health problem. Poor dietary habits and physical inactivity are among the factors that lead to obesity. About 70% of American adults are obese or overweight. In 2005, unhealthy diet was responsible for about 350,000 deaths in the United States (Knickman & Kovner, 2015). Our health status is mainly determined by how we live our daily lives. How we interact with the environment in which we live also support our abilities to live healthy and prosperous lives. Our engagement in physical activity helps to maintain healthy bones, muscles, joints, and weight. Our engagements with our physical environment associate with the promotion of feelings of well-being. It reduces feelings of anxiety and depression. Thus, the five population health determinants are; access to health care, individual behavior, social environment, physical environment and genetics (Knickman & Kovner, 2015). The concept of social determinants often denotes how income, education, access, housing and other factors contribute to our wellbeing. Knickman & Kovner (2015) defined social determinant as “The circumstances in which people are born, grow up, live, work and age, and the system in place to address an illness in turn shaped by larger forces, including economic, social policies and politics.” (Knickman & Kovner, p376, 2015). Public Policy influences these social determinants. For instance, the government health system contributes immensely...
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...Childhood Obesity: It’s a Family Issue Megan Ehrhart Statistical Concept for Research MAT 540 Professor Richard Smatt March 26, 2012 Introduction Parents are the first teachers in a child’s life. This runs true for teaching kids healthy eating habits as well. When parents themselves model good healthy eating habits along with teaching their children healthy habits the children grow up to be healthy adults. When parents are obese and engage their children in this unhealthy life style it is more likely that the children will grow obese and unhealthy and the cycle will continue with their children. Many children these days are allowed to have televisions in their bedrooms, play hours of video games, eat what and when they want and are not required to play outside or participate in extracurricular activities. The parents are doing the same things at home such as playing on the computer, watching television, cooking fast and unhealthy meals and not interacting in any physical activities with their children. All of these issues are factors in the weight gain of today’s youth and their parents. Parents need to take a bigger stand on healthy eating and exercise to prevent obesity. Obesity leads to many health problems and often early death which could be prevented in many cases. Statement of the Problem The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that obesity has more than tripled in the past thirty years (Center for Disease Control, para. 1). “ The...
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...sUnderstanding Obesity An educational resource provided by the Obesity Action Coalition What is obesity? Obesity is a disease characterized by excessive body fat. People who are affected by obesity usually are affected by behavioral, genetic and environmental factors that are difficult to control with dieting. Obesity increases the likelihood of certain diseases and other related health problems that can affect your quality of life and reduce your lifespan. Who is affected? Obesity is a serious health epidemic that affects one in three Americans. It is estimated that more than 93 million Americans are affected by obesity, with that number predicted to climb to 120 million in the next five years. “Overweight” and “Obesity” What is the difference? Stages of weight are medically defined by body mass index (BMI). An individual with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is clinically classified as “overweight.” A BMI of 30 or more is classified as “obesity.” To determine your BMI, please view the BMI chart in the back of this brochure or visit www.ObesityAction.org Individuals affected by excess weight are also at risk for developing health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain types of cancer, gout (joint pain caused by excess uric acid) and gallbladder disease. Excess weight can also cause problems such as sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep) and osteoarthritis (wearing away of the joints). Weight-loss can help...
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...Childhood Obesity David Sholl Western Governors University Task 3 Childhood Obesity Part A: Description of the Problem The primary focus of the literature review will be childhood obesity among American children between the ages of five and eighteen years. Most parents are not aware that their children have problems until they become overweight. For instance, in a survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011, about 49% of American parents believed that their children were of average size. However, after physical examinations, a team of physicians classified them as overweight. Central adiposity is one of the symptoms of childhood obesity. Children with excessive accumulation of fat around the abdominal area are either overweight or obese. Inability to cope with abrupt physical activities is another symptom. Numerous studies indicate that overweight children have diminished physical stamina because their bodies carry excess weight. Snoring is the other notable symptom of childhood obesity. As fat accumulates around the neck region, it obstructs the windpipe leading to snoring among children. Childhood obesity is now a pandemic in the U.S, and has become a national health crisis. One in every three children in America aged between two and eighteen years are considered overweight or obese. The life-threatening problems of obesity create a critical and compelling call for action that should not be ignored. According to numerous sources obesity is related...
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...Childhood Obesity – State of Oregon Legislation and Federal Legislation Ann Klinger DeVry University HSM410 Health Care Policy Professor Patricia Devin Week #7 February 23, 2013 Childhood Obesity – State of Oregon Legislation and Federal Legislation Summary On June 21, 2004 Senator Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Senator Bill Frist, introduced to the 108th Congress Senate Bill S.2551 entitled Childhood Obesity Reduction Act. This bill was to “combat childhood obesity for children in Oregon and throughout the nation, and urged that Congress take the lead in curbing the epidemic by passing the Childhood Obesity Reduction Act. The legislation, would establish a Congressional Council on Childhood Obesity to promote the following activities and to encourage every U.S. elementary and middle school to develop and implement a plan to reduce and prevent obesity, promote improved nutritional choices, and promote increased physical activity:” ("Wyden combats childhood," October 2004 Press Release). United States Senate bill S.2551 failed, but all 50 states and the Federal government are continuing to make efforts to reduce childhood obesity. My paper will review legislation the State of Oregon has implemented to reduce childhood obesity. I will provide an overview of Federal government legislation that has been implemented to reduce childhood obesity. Statistics report, “since 1980 obesity has more than doubled among children ages 2 to 5, and youths 6 to 11 rates have grown...
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...The American Academy of Pediatrics Eat Fresh. Move More. Watch Less. Campaign to Combat Obesity in Children & Adolescents XXXXXXXXX November 19, 2013 MKTG201/ACP250, Marketing for Social Change Fall Semester 2013 Contents Executive Summary 3 Background, Purpose, & Focus 3 SWOT Analysis 4 Target Audiences 6 Objectives & Goals 7 Barriers, Benefits, Competition, & Influential Others 8 Positioning Statement 10 Product 10 Price 11 Place 11 Promotion 12 Monitoring & Evaluation 13 Budgets & Funding Sources 13 Implementation Plan & Timeline 15 Resources 16 3 Executive Summary Given the rise in the amount of obese children and adolescents in the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) will implement a campaign to promote in helping our society combat and prevent obesity. The AAP will implement a mobile app to track and promote a healthy lifestyle and to help spread awareness among parents, children, and teenagers. The mobile app will track participants’ goals by observing their meals, exercise patterns, BMI, weight, surveys, etc. The AAP is a leading and respected non-profit organization with its goal of being “dedicated to the health of all children.” In helping AAP implement the program, various school districts, health clubs, the YMCA, Microsoft, physicians, and other companies will assist by donating various items and services. The bulk of the campaign will focus around...
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...Nurses Should Take to Prevent the Increase of Childhood Obesity November 25, 2013 Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase of childhood obesity. Childhood obesity has become problematic in the United States. Approximately a third of children in the United States are overweight or obese. Researchers believe that this epidemic is becoming a major public health problem. Children are being diagnosed with diseases that usually occur later in life. It concerns nurses as well as the public to know that childhood obesity may not be reversible. Nurses must focus their practice on ways to help their patients lead a healthier life. There are various ways that Healthcare Professionals can intervene to prevent the increase of childhood obesity. Recommending and monitoring their patient’s physical activities and diet, and advocating are some of the many ways that nurses can help prevent and manage the increase of childhood obesity. Obesity and overweight are both defined as fat that has accumulated over time and has the ability to cause harm to the body. Estabrooks and Hayman (2008) found that childhood obesity is caused by the imbalance in energy intake and expenditure. There are significant factors that contribute to childhood obesity. A child who eats unhealthy meals in excessive amounts increases their likelihood of becoming obese. In addition, the lack of physical activity is a major cause of obesity. Berkowitz and Borchard (2009) indicate that race...
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...Community Health Advocacy Project: Week Five Kimberly Holbrook NUR/544 March 2, 2014 Professor Louama Driscoll Community Health Advocacy Project: Week Five According to the National School Boards Association (2014), “nearly one in three children are overweight or obese” (National School Boards Association, 2014). Additionally, “childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last 30 years” (National School Boards Association, 2014). The problem of childhood obesity is not only nationwide, but predominantly in the south, specifically in Mississippi. The most recent data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states “16.5%” of the Mississippi adolescent population is “overweight”, while “18.3% were obese” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). Once the aggregate data collection is complete, the evaluation of the information is crucial to effectively prepare goals specific to the aggregate and the health concern. Goals are specific objectives of what a coalition wants to accomplish to assist the aggregate in improving a specific health concern. Goals should include an action (intervention), the expectation of the action (the result), the target (aggregate), and an appropriate feasible time frame for the accomplishment. Prior to developing outcome goals one must consider what interventions must occur to employ the outcome goals, identify who requires influencing and whether or not the program or intervention is cost effective. Primary...
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...Childhood Obesity Diminishment Attaining a school based obesity prevention program can be one of the most gratifying things when applied. The promises of it’s success seem well worth the subject of having to raise a program that would be feasible for students, as well as teachers, parents and staff in a school setting. Considering the prevalence of pediatric obesity, it is imperative that adults involved in the education system in any way discover new ways to promote healthy attitudes and behavior from children. Schools are a strategic organizational setting for obesity prevention, but school-based interventions adopting lifestyle behaviors to prevent obesity have had mixed success. It was clear that having a team effort towards implementing...
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...There is a growing epidemic of childhood obesity in Australia and also worldwide. The prevalence of obesity has doubled to 65% of the world’s population live in countries where obesity and overweight kills more people than underweight does (WHO, 2011). Obese children are more likely to have health problems throughout their childhood, these health issues are associated with long-term health consequences to which the economic costs are enormous (Swinburn, 2008). Obesity in childhood is frequently tracked into adulthood, this is clearly a major contributor for the adulthood epidemic. Interventions and preventions have become key strategies in reducing the impact of childhood obesity. Through national and international health promotions, promoting healthy eating and physical activity in environments that reduce childhood obesity. The rapid increase of childhood obesity not only is it a burden on psychological, physical but also socially (Deckelbaum & Williams, 2005). Health care professionals such as nurses’ play a very important role in the prevention or management of obesity. Nurses’ can research current evidence in health promotions to find the best program for different populations by providing support and management of their illness (Bluford, Sherry & Scanlon, 2007). Throughout this is essay all these points will be discussed in more detail. Obesity and overweight have been defined as an excess or abnormal fat accumulation that may impair health within children and adults (Rabbitt...
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...example. (30 pts) CAN MEDICATION CURE OBESITY IN CHILDREN? A Review of the Literature In March 2004, U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona called attention to a health problem in the United States that, until recently, we have overlooked: childhood obesity. Carmona highlighted that the “astounding” 15% child obesity rate constitutes an “epidemic.” Since the early ‘80s, that rate has “doubled in children and tripled in adolescents.” Now more than nine million children are classified as obese. While the traditional response to a medical epidemic is to hunt for a vaccine or a cure-all pill, childhood obesity has proven more elusive. Lacking success of recent initiatives suggests that medication mightn’t be the answer for the escalating problem. In this literature review, I will consider whether the use of medication is a promising approach for solving the childhood obesity problem by responding to the following questions: 1. What are the implications of childhood obesity? 2. Is medication effective at treating childhood obesity? 3. Is medication safe for children? 4. Is medication the best solution? Understanding the limitations of medical treatments for children highlights the complexity of the childhood obesity problem in the United States and underscores the need for physicians, advocacy groups, and policymakers to search for other solutions. What Are the Implications of Childhood Obesity? Obesity can be a devastating problem from both...
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...Health Promotion Jennifer Canole-Jackson Grand Canyon University Family Centered Health Promotion NRS-429V Patricia King April 23, 2013 Health Promotion There are several definitions one can find for health promotion. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health. The WHO goes on to state in order for health promotion to be reached, “one must be able to identify and realize aspirations, satisfy needs, and to change or cope with environment”. The basic necessities and conditions required for health consist of peace, shelter, education, food, income, a stable eco-system, sustainable resources, social justice and equality (WHO, 2013). The purpose of health promotion in nursing is to support and educate patients to better understand what they can do to maintain optimal health and/or achieve better health. There are three levels of health promotion and include primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary health promotion is the education to prevent disease. The goal is to reduce the patient’s risk for disease. This can be done through several different ways of education. One example is preventing childhood obesity. In an article in the American Journal of Public Health, (AJPH), August 2012, it discussed a project called Be Our Voice. The project was created by several organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the California Medical Association Foundation...
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...Laurie Clark Health Prevention of Childhood Obesity June 23, 2015 Specific Purpose: To Inform Parents and children Primary Prevention of Childhood Obesity Introduction I. Obesity has doubled in American children the last three decades a. Increase in inactivity b. Increased in high fat, sugar, and processed foods c. Immediate and long term health effects. II. Increase in inactivity d. Children are watching more television associated with obesity i. 89% of children aged between four and five years spend more than two hours watching TV, Videos or DVDs every day (Kehl, 2006). ii. Food is heavily marketed on the television 1. The more likely they are to eat while watching television 2. The foods they consume are likely the foods advertised on television (YouTube 2015) e. Children walking and biking to school has decreased while car transport has increased iii. Result of changes in community composition iv. Concern for child safety III. Increased in high fat, sugar, and processed foods f. Foods Consumed decades ago were almost void of processed foods g. In today’s family less fruits and vegetables, increased processed, high calorie foods v. Increased cost of healthful foods vi. Decreased cost of junk food vii. Increased variety viii. Increased school vending machines and a la cart foods (YouTube 2015) ...
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