Where Nutrition Is Needed The Most....

Children, in my opinion, is the most important age group that needs to be targeted within the obesity craze. The statistics are absolutely staggering. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%(CDC.) Many researchers even believe that at this rate children wont outlive their parents. Statistics on childhood obesity also indicate that over 70 percent of overweight adolescents will be overweight or obese as adults. 

Ok, this scares me. Actually, it really scares me! 

You might be thinking and asking yourselves all kinds of questions like, who is to blame? why haven't we done anything about it? When are people going to learn that unhealthy food is contributing to their ill-health? 

These are many questions that have been lingering around my head for years. Is there any chance that we can see change? We can never loose hope! 

Change can be determined by two important factors: education and environment. 

Education can be formed in the household and in school. Many do not have the proper education and training to raise their children and teach them the importance of healthy eating. 

On the other hand, the environment is another imminent factor. The government can contribute greatly in helping provide the necessary resources to prevent obesity from spreading. For example if a family lives in an unsafe environment that lacks proper lighting for walking in the night time, this family wont be able to go walking because their safety can be at risk. 

So, what is being done now... 

Well, there is a lot of contention on this issue going on in Washington. Lobbyists are trying to pass the child nutrition bill. Now that congress is back from their recess they have stacks and stacks of important bills to look over. Is child nutrition on top of the stack? Sadly, no. 

An article I read recently offered several reasons Why Congress Should Pass Child Nutrition Now. 

Read away! 

I will touch on this issue further, for it is something that I have a true passion for. Resolving this issue wont be an easy smooth process, but eradicating childhood obesity will take time, patience, and guts. 

Pass it on,

FDS