Childhood Obesity - A Growing Concern - A Six Part Series

Posted on 20th | Posted by admin in Computers and Technology, Health and Fitness

Childhood obesity has steadily grown as a serious concern in the United States. Among elementary school children, the percentage of children afflicted with the disease has tripled over the last three decades. Children with obesity suffer both physically as well as emotionally. Contributing factors to the problem include sedentary lifestyles, inadequate emphasis on physical education, and dietary influences. There are several innovative programs that have proven to be successful in schools, such as the one percent or less milk program, the fresh fruit and vegetable pilot program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the General Mills Box Tops for Schools. Changes that school districts can make to improve the well-being of children include serving healthier school meals, educating children and parents on healthy eating, creating better structured after school programs, increasing physical activity and conducting fundraising activities which support healthier lifestyles for children.