...Poverty and Childhood Obesity Linda Weems English 122 Instructor: Craig Smith October 5, 2012 Poverty and Childhood Obesity Over the past years, more people have become underprivileged. America used to have a strong middle class, but now the middle class is gradually retreating due to many jobs going overseas and local companies closing due to the 2007 economic crash. Because of the state of the economy, people will have to make tough decisions about what to spend their money on. Childhood obesity in America is an increasing ailment that has become an epidemic that has lasting emotional effects, because of the limited access to healthy foods. In more recent months, middle class families have been finding it hard to keep up with the rising cost of food and many of them have turned to the State for public assistance. In Nevada, “The picture of the food stamp spike is framed by the recession: About 145,000 Nevadans were collecting food stamps in fiscal 2007; in March of this year, the government counted almost 354,000 recipients statewide”. (Demirjian, 2012) In my neighborhood, I look around at the kids surrounding me. More than half of these kids are what one would consider “obese”. Childhood obesity is increasing in the United States – and the kids that I see today are a direct result of America’s unawareness to this crisis. The key causes of childhood obesity are a deficiency of exercise and deprived nutrition; these contributors must be conquered...
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...Today one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese.Obesity has become an epidemic in this country over the last decade. It is especially an issue in the impoverished areas of the country. The obesity rates in many similar countries have not grown nearly as rapidly as that of the United States. The rate of obesity in impoverished American children may be rapidly increasing due to the influence of their caretakers, low income, poor access to healthcare, lack of physical activity, deprived living conditions, and a lack of access to resources due to their location. Obesity is more prevalent in minority communities, but obesity rates and race do not actually have any direct correlation. “For a long time researchers have tracked...
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...generally develops over a long period of time. Most often, vital organs like the kidneys and eyes may damage or other diseases may occur before it is detected; for this reason, it is often called the "silent killer (American Heart Association, 2014). According to Woo & Wynne (2012), a report from the World Health Organization indicates that suboptimal blood pressure higher than 115mm Hg (systolic) is liable for 62% of all cardiovascular disease and 49% of all ischemic heart disease. A normal blood pressure level is systolic reading of blood pressure (SBP) less than 120mmHg with diastolic level (DBP) less than 80mmHg. Hypertension disease has the following stages. A pre-hypertensive level is SBP 120-139, and DBP 80-89. Hypertension stage 1 is SBP 140-159, with DBP of 90-99. Hypertension stage 2 is SBP greater than or equal to 160 with DBP of 100 or more. Stress and emotional tension may temporarily increase blood pressure; but it would not be considered as hypertension unless it remains that way after the situation dissolves or improves (Woo & Wynne, 2012). Epidemiology studies depict that up to about 60% of the condition is inherited but environmental factors can also play a large role in it (Nadar, & Lip, 2011). In the United States, African Americans make up 12.8% of the population, but their...
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...What You Know Can Save You Health Fair Eric Hamilton Axia College University of Phoenix HCA – 250 The Psychology of Health Instructor Robbie Johnson February 28, 2010 What You Know Can Save You Health Fair The objective of this wellness program is to develop and implement a health fair and educational seminar for the warehouse, delivery, and administrative staff at the Kraft Birmingham and Montgomery sales facilities in Alabama. All employees are between the ages of 25 to 55, with an educational range of high school through college. The combination of the greater Birmingham and Montgomery metro area and the type of work performed would place this group in the middle to upper middle-class category, with a mixture of blue and white-collar individuals. This health fair and wellness educational seminar will help in these areas of daily life, increase awareness, understanding of critical health behaviors within the workplace, homes, and communities. The “What You Know Health Fair” will tap on areas of health-related challenges including • Obesity and Diabetes • Heart Disease • Substance use and abuse • Physical, mental, and social well-being Realizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and consciously making the decision to adopt one is a necessary first step toward improved health and well-being. Dedicating resources to empower employees to take an active role within their...
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...AN ENORMOUS TRUTH: OBESITY IN THE UNITED STATES The research will provide useful information that will determine if the fast food industry is responsible for obesity, which is a rapidly growing public health issue in United States. Prepared for Professor Eugene Fregetto, Marketing 452 Research completed by Team 7: Sara Garcia – (708) 770.8682 Garcia.sara59@gmail.com Jessica Gardeck – (847) 363.3389 jgarde4@uic.edu Lisa Elizabeta Komolova – (630) 857.8129 lisakomolova@gmail.com Krunali Sheth – (630) 903.8320 ksheth2@uic.edu February, 2012 The need for the project A large amount of the United State’s population is suffering from obesity. Throughout the years the well-being of the American population has shown a negative movement and a large number of people are experiencing a decline in their health. Obesity being a common health issue in United States is concerning to health care providers because it is progressing into a costly expense for those companies. The amount of fast food restaurants in United States is constantly increasing and to improve the reputation of junk food the restaurants have been trying to introduce reinvented products with a healthier approach. Unfortunately the new products lines and its menu alternatives are still not living up to the standard of a proper diet. The research will provide us with useful information about obesity, people’s attitudes towards fast food and their life-style choices. The information will determine if...
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...Epidemiology Study: Teen Obesity N J Nur 408 January 9, 2012 Felita Patterson, MPH, RN Epidemiology Study: Teen Obesity Teenage obesity is on the rise this country. In the last couple of decades, the world has changed in a startling and dramatic way. Computers, computer games, the Internet, and extended free time have pushed the numbers of teenage obesity to an alarming figure (Teen obesity, 2011). While there’s no one cause of obesity; the factors that can make someone obese are a variety of genetic, biological, behavioral, and cultural factors (AACAP, 2011). As the official website of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry explains, childhood obesity is often related to bad eating habits, overeating or binging, no exercise, family history, medical issues, stress or extreme life changes, family issues, low self-esteem, or depression (2011). Although a few extra pounds are not dangerous for most people; obesity is a serious health issue as it puts a definite strain on the human body. It can cause issues like an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breathing problems, trouble sleeping (AACAP, 2011). In fact, “Teenagers who have a weight problems now—that continues to increase or stay the same in terms of their weight—will likely have a much higher risk of premature death” (Gay, 2006)(p. 26). This clearly shows the tremendous and serious threat that obesity poses for teenagers. Demographical Data Every individual has an ideal...
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...Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1(3): 94-96, 2009 ISSN: 2040-8773 © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2009 Submitted Date: August 14, 2009 Acceptance Date: September 02, 2009 Published Date: November 25, 2009 Corresponding Author: A. Abubakar, Department of Human Physiology Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria 94 Relation of Body Mass Index with Lipid Profile and Blood Pressure in Healthy Female of Lower Socioeconomic Group, in Kaduna Northern Nigeria 1A. Abubakar, 1M.A. M abruok, 2A.B. Gerie, 3A.A. Dikko, 4S. Aliyu, 1T. Yusuf, 3R.A. Magaji, 1M.A. Kabir and 1U.W. Adama 1Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria 2Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Teaching Hospital Shika, Zaria, Nigeria 3Department of Human Physiology, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria 4Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria Abstracts: In Nigeria 30 million people suffer from this hypertension which is the main risk factor for stroke, and renal failure. Elevated levels of triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL-C are documented as risk factors for atherogenesis. LDL-C in its oxidized or acetylated form has been identified as a major atherogenic particle. Fifty two women between 19-32 years of age attending Primary Health Care center (PH C) in Kaduna and its environment were use in this study. Their height, weight and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were recorded. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated by using their...
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...Numerous American's believe obesity is a problem that just cannot be solved. No matter what fad diet or magic weight loss pill they try, they cannot seem to find a thing that will keep weight gain at bay. What many people do not realize is that the food they put in their mouths affects not only their weight, but the way their body and mind function. With the overwhelming amount of fast food restaurants taking place in towns all over this country, unhealthy eating becomes a habit for many people when in a crunch for time. There are 240,115 fast food restaurants in America alone and only 37,716 super markets in the US; this means that for every seven fast food restaurants there is only one grocery store in our Nation. So where are citizens to turn when looking for something to eat? When the odds are seven to one, statistically you'd be more likely to choose the fast food restaurants almost every time. By increasing the amount of healthier store alternatives in the US we can give Americans accessibility to more affordable, healthier options, and the equal choices the people of America deserve. For many people across America eating healthy is a difficult thing to do, because they do not know where to start. This becomes even more difficult when they do not have a grocery store near by in order to purchase healthier alternatives. Grocery stores offer fresher fruits, vegetables, and many now offer organic meats and milk. In the article “Escape from the Western Diet” by Michael Pollan...
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...Epidemiology Paper on Childhood Obesity Obesity is a global epidemic affecting millions of the world population. Childhood obesity is especially worrisome as it is linked to higher incidence of health issues in adulthood (Lakshman, Elks, & Ong, 2012). There are many factors to look at when assessing the prevalence of childhood obesity, including culture, socio-economic status, food availability, activity, and genetics. To better understand this problem, it is essential to understand the factors that lead to obesity, how obesity is studied, and what are ways to help reduce the occurrence of obesity. Through epidemiology, this health concern can be better understood and provide the information needed to generate a plan of action to help reduce the risk factors that lead to childhood obesity. Epidemiology is “the study of the occurrence and distribution of health–related states or events and specified populations, including the study of the determinants influencing such states, and the application of this knowledge to control the health problems” (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012, pg 255). Through epidemiology the questions of who, what, where, when, how, and why can be investigated to offer information about the dissemination or patterns of health measures. The Epidemiological Triangle allows epidemiologists to understand the relationships between agent, host, and the environment when looking at a specific health concern. When considering childhood obesity, the agent could be viewed as...
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...Topic: Nutrition Limited Topic: Health problems caused by poor nutrition. Thesis: Some health problems caused by poor nutrition include cancer, diabetes, weight issues, kwashiorkor, cardiovascular diseases and anaemia. Combined Outline: I. Introduction II. Cancer A. Foods that accelerate cancer. B. Foods that help prevent cancer. III. Diabetes IV. Weight issues A. People who are overweight suffer from obesity because of too much intake food. B. People suffer from anorexia because of lack of nutrients in their body. V. Cardiovascular diseases A. One type of cardiovascular disease is hypertension. B. Another type of cardiovascular disease is cardiac arrest. VI. Anaemia VII. Kwashiorkor VIII. Conclusion We have all heard of the proverb “Health is wealth”. This proverb is specially true as, if a person is not in good health, everything begins to fall apart. The most essential ingredient in order to be healthy is that of nutrition. If an individual has a diet which lacks certain nutrients they could suffer from certain health conditions. Therefore it is essential to have a diet which provides the human body with all the essential nutrients in the right amounts as too much or too little of anything could be harmful to ones health. Do you have a nutritious diet? Does your body get all the nutrients it needs to prevent health issues? Are you consuming too little or too many nutrients? Do you have any health problems due to a diet that lacks certain nutrients...
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...Influence: Implications for the Prevention Of Early Childhood Obesity Abstract The overall purpose of this study was to investigate whether parents serve as role models in influencing their children’s weight-related behaviours. Participants were 60 random parents of children from Barbados. Unlike previous research studies, the correlation analyses of this study indicated that the junk food or fast foods children consumed was negatively associated with the amount of income made by the parents or their education level. Although it was found that some children do model their parents’ behaviour when it comes to healthy food choices, the findings show that parents do not enforce the healthy eating practices unto their children. This study did not support the theory that children model adult eating behaviours on their own. Parental Influence: Implications for the Prevention Of Early Childhood Obesity Some researchers in public health have concluded that the problem of early childhood obesity has reached near-epidemic proportions (Deckelbaum & Williams 2001; Puhl & Latner 2007). The problem of early childhood obesity and overweight appears to be on-going without implementation of early detection and prevention strategies (Stegelin 2008). The causes most commonly identified with the increase in early childhood obesity are inadequate physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet (Campbell et al. 2006; Ebbeling, Pawlak &...
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...Introduction In a small pocket in downtown Phoenix, AZ, census tract 1133.01, there is a predominantly male (53% male, 47% female) Hispanic population that is mostly middle-aged, between 35 and 49 years1. According to the zip code data encompassing this area, this low-income section consists of mostly unmarried individuals with a high school education (62%)2. The most common mode of transportation is by car alone (66%), which likely means that this population is spending a good amount of time being sedentary2. There is a high incidence of binge eating disorder (BED) among this population. When binges occur, high amounts of inexpensive, low-nutrient food is consumed and has several negative side effects, such as weight gain, which could lead to obesity. The community nutrition problem that will be addressed herein is reducing the occurrence of binge eating, and subsequent weight gain, among this population. Literature Review...
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...answer to each question among the answers provided. Be sure that you have selected your choice correctly on the scan form. Be sure that you have entered your name and identification number on the scan form and filled out the bubbles in the columns for the letters of your name and numbers of your identification number correctly (see front and back). Use a #2 pencil and fill all circles completely. 1. The goal of public health is to guarantee that all members of society achieve optimal health. a. True b. False The major reason(s) for the increase in longevity globally has been: a. Improved treatment of diabetes b. Adoption of more health lifestyles c. Improved sanitation d. Increasing provision of clean water e. c. and d. above According to Professor Detels, the major cause of ill health globally is: a. Smoking b. Obesity c. Poverty d. Sedentary lifestyles e. Malnutrition The major contributing factor associated with death in children under five years of age globally is: a. Pneumonia b. Measles c. Prematurity d. Under-nutrition e. Injuries The United States has led the world in increasing the average life span a. True b. False The highest proportion of premature deaths in the United States is due to: a. Genetic predisposition b. Social circumstances c. Environmental exposures d. Problems with health care e. Behavioral patterns 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. The leading cause of death in the United States is: a. Heart diseases b. Cancer c. Diabetes d. Motor vehicle accidents...
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...as related to glycemic control. Th epurpose of this critique is to determine the quality of the research on the basis of the information provided in the report, as well as the potential usefulness for nursing practice or improvement in nursing knowledge (Mancuso, 2010). The author recommended implementing evidence–based interventions to improve diabetes outcome, avoid public health crisis from diabetes mortality and morbidity, and economic cost with the population growth, obesity on rise and aging. Problem Statement The problem statement was as stated in the article.Mancuson provided statistical information from Centers for Disease control showing in 2006,diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in USA.Diabetes has no cure and can lead to serious complications which include heart, kidney, nervous system, and dental diseases, stroke, blindness, hypertension, amputation, sexual dysfunction, depression and susceptibility to other illness (Mancuson,2010).The author also used statistics from American Diabetes Association to support the study. The primary goal of therapy is to achieve glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level as close as less than 7 and secondary goal ,for fasting blood glucose to be between 90 and 130mg/dl (Mancuso, 2010).Literature review show that...
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...chocolate products is Western World dominated. 70% of the worldwide profit from chocolate sales is concentrated in these countries. 80% of the world chocolate market is accounted for by just six transnational companies, including Nestle, Mars and Cadbury. Europeans alone consume around 40% of the world's cocoa per year, 85% of which is imported from West Africa. There have recently been efforts to initiate a fair-trade movement, which would encourage the purchase of cocoa from developing country producers at a fair price. However, tariff escalation continues to me a major problem, which acts to drive chocolate comsumers and cocoa exporters further apart. Quick Chocolate Facts -16 of the top 20 consuming countries are European -in 2001 Americans consumed 3 billion pounds of chocolate, which totalled $13.1 Billion in sales -in 2001 the sale of all other non-chocolate candy items combined was $7.6 Billion -66% of chocolate is consumed between meals -chocolate is North America's favourite flavour: 52% of adults surveyed like chocolate best with vanilla and fruit flavoured coming a distant second (12%) -chocolate...
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