Summer's here, and childhood obesity is in the news again.
I just posted two articles on kaboom.org on the subject:
Rise in childhood obesity rate evens out; consequences for rise still expected
New high-tech playground designed to fight childhood obesity
Obviously, there are many causes to the childhood obesity epidemic, and probably a number of solutions are required, none the least of which is a massive cultural mindshift lifting up the importance of unstructured play in children's physical, cognitive, and social development.
So the question I pose to you is: What are the solutions to the problem? What will it take for us to not only stop the rise of the childhood obesity epidemic, but to curtail it? What have your experiences been?
Two things are great. First, it's great that childhood obesity rates are leveling off, but just like learning to be happy with "only" $3 a gallon gasoline, should we just be happy that the childhood obesity rates aren't rising anymore. Probably not. Second, I think it's great that playground manufacturers are designing equipment that will use technology to make children more active. However, what does it mean that we have to entice our children to move more on a daily basis? I have to wonder if using technology to fight what, in many cases, technology started, is really that great of idea. Or like a wildfire out of control, is using fire to fight fire really the best method after all. Certainly food for thought.
In the end (and just like adult obesity) childhood obesity has so much more to do with the entire lifestyle of a child, than just the way they choose to play. I can't imagine seeing childhood weight averages decrease and overall health increase much until we dive a bit more into the diets of those we supposedly care for. The real kicker is that given the number of free and reduced lunches (and sometimes breakfasts) being served with tax payer money (under the national school lunch program), we as a country may have more influence and control over things than we initially think. Are we sure our school meals are set to the health standards that will really reduce and not just level off the rising childhood obesity rates?
I agree with your assesments-here in Louisville the Courier Journal has had several op ed pieces appear regarding obesity and lack of recess in schools. In fact, my letter in response to the lack of recess was printed, and on-line commentors completely missed the point I made. Our elementary school has participated (and was the pilot school) for a program called Tap Into Fitness which encourages children (begining in kindergarten) to make healthy lifestyle choices, to engage in daily physical activity, to eat a balanced and portioned diet, to try new foods, etc. As a Title I school we struggle with balancing this program with the fact that 83% of our students are on a free/reduced bfast/lunch and often are literally starving by morning-and thus not paying any attention to portion control and often times overeating by "trading" food with other kids (a practice that is not encouraged but hard to monitor). Our school is attempting to change the food in the cafeteria by partnering with local farmers to bring in fresh greens, etc. but have met with reluctance on the part of the school board. It is frustrating to all of us, and heartbreaking to the kids that struggle with weight and health issues (my son has a classmate in 4th grade who is 10 and weighs 187.5 pounds! which is NOT proportionate to his height).
Of course all our efforts need to be reinforced at home by the families, which is a struggle. Frankly, many of the lessons they learn are forgotten the moment they get off the bus and head to the fridge for a snack of chips and soda, instead of carrots and water. I agree that it will take more to curb this problem, but am also stumped as to what we can do when the media, the schools, other parents, pta's are informing families of these issues, but often it falls on deaf ears.
Your comment about the school boards lack of support is interesting. What is their reluctance to supporting the local economy, reducing our carbon footprint, and providing healthy food for students by bying fresh produce from local farmers? Is it a cost issue? Storage and preservation issue? Political? Has there been any effort to organize these farmers and parents to put pressure on the school board to make these changes?
On a side note, I'm wondering if anyone out there has statistics on the level of physical activity reached by playing on a traditional post and platform playground? I've heard that there is evidence that shows the level of activity reached on playgrounds is not vigorous enough to combat childhood obesity, but I've yet to see that evidence either. If that is the case however, what kind of activities or play equipment (and the manufacturing companies) are providing enough physical stimuli? Or, is childhood obesity an issue that needs to be primarily combated first with dietary changes? Is diet or lack of activity contributing more to childhood obesity? What other factor are involved? Stress and anxiety? Etc.
JTF
MJTMJTbob43