Public Health Issue

“Childhood obesity is a public health concern” which is growing in alarming proportions. I am observing an increasing number of obese children and I think it is very worrying because it indicates to me that our children are not developing well.  It is the recipe for heart diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure and poor blood circulation problems developing.  There are many factors contributing to such a crisis. 

• I observe that some parents are over-feeding their children.  Children are given large portions of food.  I am aware of at least four cases where each child is from a single child household. All of the children are excessively obese so it will indicate to me that some parents are allowing children to indulge in large portions in addition to regular snacking.
• There is a proliferation of fast food outlets on the island and children are becoming increasingly attached to fast food. 
• Drinks such as soft drinks contribute bad sugar to children’s diet.
•  Some children are spending too much time in front of the television and the computer as such they are not engaging in recreational activities that will allow them to burn up excessive calories.

Arkansas is one of the states in the US that has passed legislation to protect children against childhood obesity. According to Craig, Felix, Walker & Phillips (2010) childhood obesity has escalated in the United States.  Children are 3 times their weight in the last 3 years. Craig, Felix, Walker & Phillips (2010) noted “recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2003 – 2006) revealed that roughly 32% of children and adolescents with a Body Mass Index (BMI) for their age above the 85^th percentile.” Craig et al., (2010) cited Ogden et al., who used the 97^th percentile as an identifier of those with greatest body mass for their age.  They reported that 11% of US children and adolescents fit into this category.

In Arkansas emphasis has been placed on improving nutrition and physical education curriculum, positive reinforcement is being used to encourage children to eat healthy and utilize physical activity standards, they have also provided model vending polices and tool kits (Craig, et. al., 2010).

Arkansas had been a pioneer at instituting statewide “BMI screening with” report being forwarded “to parents” from “public school children in grades K through 12” (Craig et. al., 2010).  The article noted that the act has restricted students’ “access to vending machines in public elementary schools; schools must disclose vending contracts and publicly report vending revenues.”  Schools must now create policy pertaining to rules and regulation governing vending.

I think that as a developing country, we need to pass laws to protect our children at schools in order to reduce childhood obesity.  We know that great results can be realized if our parents can also get on board with the measures implemented at schools.  I am familiar with the efforts at many early childhood schools which only allow children to eat healthy snacks – fruits and vegetables.  I realize that our primary schools need to get on board.  Many of our schools have tuck shops and the monies collected are used to support schools.  On the other hand, some schools have a lease arrangement with regards to their tuck shop. I believe I can advocate by writing to the local newspapers, make contributions at forums dealing with healthy development and share on a one on one basis with parents whose children may be at-risk.

Reference

Craig, R. L., Felix, H.C., Walker, J. F., & Phillips, M. M. (2010). Public Health Professionals as Policy Entrepreneurs: Arkansas’s Childhood Obesity Policy Experience. American Journal of Public Health. Vol. 100 No.11.