Secondary prevention identifies individuals in the early stages of the disease process before symptoms manifest (Turnock, 2012, p. 54) For children, this might involve tracking body mass index (BMI) over time and identifying those who may be overweight (Hoelscher, Kirk, Ritchie, Cunningham-Sabo, & Academy Positions Committee, 2013)
To better understand what roles a public health nurse can assume when combating the obesity epidemic in children, this essay will examine this health issue through the lens of prevention. Roles of Public Health Nurses in Obesity Prevention Disease prevention strategies can be stratified into primary, secondary, and tertiary (Turnock, 2012, p
Childhood Obesity The prevalence of childhood obesity has grown into a significant health issue over the past three decades. Research indicates that 70% of obese youths become obese adults (Gierzynski et al
Assessment and Reflection Over the past several weeks, my understanding of the national health-promotion and disease-prevention issue has become far more acute. The extent of the childhood obesity problem in this country became increasingly apparent as study after study confirmed the existence of the problem and cautioned that unless actions are taken now, members of this generation may be the first in 200 years to die before their parents due to weight-related health issues (Hannan, 2014)
There are some important ethical implications involved in childhood obesity programs, though, that must be taken into account in the program design and administration. Of particular importance is the fact that young people that participate in such programming may experience stigma from their peers (Hersen & Van Hasselt, 1998)
¶ … obesity is a growing problem that negatively strikes the health of many children in Canada. From a statistical analysis of childhood obesity in Canada in 1996, reports show that 23% to 36% of Canadian children with age ranging from 7 to 13 are considered overweight and obese (Willms, 2004)
However, children often lack the cognitive understanding about what they are putting into their bodies and how it can impact them today and throughout their lives. According to the research, "Fast food has become a prominent feature of the diet of children in the United States and, increasingly, throughout the world," (Bowman et al
Childhood Obesity Dangers Being Linked to Fast Food Diets Unfortunately, there is a major concern that is threatening the health and well-being of American children around the country -- obesity. Childhood obesity levels have risen dramatically over the past two decades (Ebbeling et al
According to (Bishop, 2005), convenience is the main criteria for food choices, school and community limitation of resources creates barriers for physical activity, and heredity contributes five to 40% of risk for obesity. Inadequate funding of school activities and competition in school sports alienates less physically gifted students and diminishes the importance of physical activity (Ashton, 2004)
The majority of unhealthy food advertisements are shown during popular children viewing times and encompass cross promotions between food and entertainment to increase interest preferences (Termini, 2011). Convenience in food choices, decreased free time and physical activity in school programs, cultural attitudes, parental factors, role models, and biological relatives with poor weight management (Bishop
Weight bias and stigma (Washington, 2011, Aug 15), discrimination, feelings of inadequacies from too many failed attempts, and stereotyping are social issues that affect weight loss efforts. Marketing practices tend to cover up truths in product labeling concerning the nutritional value in products creating confusion with symbols, misunderstanding in daily value, and the level of nutrients (Bronell, 2011, June 23)
Cultural beliefs, family perceptions, as well as available income can limit weight loss efforts. The AMA has declared childhood obesity as a disease (Frelick, 2013)
On a national level, (Ogden, 2012) found that nearly 17% of children, ages two to 19, were obese and a significant trend is reflecting an increase in BMI for males. Risk factors for childhood obesity include lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating, sedentary lifestyle, and environmental factors (Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, 2011)
6% were obese. On a national level, (Ogden, 2012) found that nearly 17% of children, ages two to 19, were obese and a significant trend is reflecting an increase in BMI for males
Even though there is no understanding in research concerning how the factors interact with each other, all the factors need consideration in efforts to combat childhood obesity. With public concern of the persuasiveness of advertising on children's vulnerability and promotion of harmful products to children, research suggests regulation and policy promotion to bring more clarity and higher levels of control (Termini, 2011), address ethical challenges in standards (Wilcox, 2004), and more accountability (Taylor, 2014), education to include more physical activity, incorporate media literacy, and modified eating behavior (Wilcox, 2004), as well as community programs that are multistrategic, multidiscipline (Petrou, 2008), family-based (Sousa, 2009), and contain long-term strategies that reduce and eliminate weight bias and stigma (Washington, 2011, Aug 15)
Even though there is no understanding in research concerning how the factors interact with each other, all the factors need consideration in efforts to combat childhood obesity. With public concern of the persuasiveness of advertising on children's vulnerability and promotion of harmful products to children, research suggests regulation and policy promotion to bring more clarity and higher levels of control (Termini, 2011), address ethical challenges in standards (Wilcox, 2004), and more accountability (Taylor, 2014), education to include more physical activity, incorporate media literacy, and modified eating behavior (Wilcox, 2004), as well as community programs that are multistrategic, multidiscipline (Petrou, 2008), family-based (Sousa, 2009), and contain long-term strategies that reduce and eliminate weight bias and stigma (Washington, 2011, Aug 15)
Even though there is no understanding in research concerning how the factors interact with each other, all the factors need consideration in efforts to combat childhood obesity. With public concern of the persuasiveness of advertising on children's vulnerability and promotion of harmful products to children, research suggests regulation and policy promotion to bring more clarity and higher levels of control (Termini, 2011), address ethical challenges in standards (Wilcox, 2004), and more accountability (Taylor, 2014), education to include more physical activity, incorporate media literacy, and modified eating behavior (Wilcox, 2004), as well as community programs that are multistrategic, multidiscipline (Petrou, 2008), family-based (Sousa, 2009), and contain long-term strategies that reduce and eliminate weight bias and stigma (Washington, 2011, Aug 15)
Approximately 80% of advertising targeting children is toys, cereals, candies, and fast food restaurants (Wilcox, 2004). The majority of unhealthy food advertisements are shown during popular children viewing times and encompass cross promotions between food and entertainment to increase interest preferences (Termini, 2011)
7% consuming sugar sweetened beverages at least once per day. Another factor includes societal ability to recognize childhood obesity where education as well as a parent's own weight and the weight of the child were determining factors in a parent recognizing obesity in their own children (Wareschburger, 2009)
Convenience in food choices, decreased free time and physical activity in school programs, cultural attitudes, parental factors, role models, and biological relatives with poor weight management (Bishop, 2005), community safety and resources (A Growing Problem: What causes childhood obesity, 2013), (Bishop, 2005), are environmental issues that cause difficulty in losing weight. Weight bias and stigma (Washington, 2011, Aug 15), discrimination, feelings of inadequacies from too many failed attempts, and stereotyping are social issues that affect weight loss efforts