I too chose to do my leadership paper on childhood obesity. I is no secret that America's waistline is growing at a very unhealthy rate, and it's no wonder with our sedative lifestyle and our supersized meal portions at fast food restaurants. The only exercise some of our young ones get is wiggling their thumbs over the buttons of their pretendo games. Childhood obesity rates have doubled in the last 30 years with an obvious health disparity seen in low income, Hispanic, African, and Native American children.
Ok so they're fat kids what's the big deal? Along with obesity comes a whole slew of unhealthy complications: greater rates of depression, poor body image, low self concept, and a higher rate of eating disorders. Some of the physiological complications include: Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high serum cholesterol, low LDL, sleep apnea, early puberty, and skeletal problems. It is far easier to treat these patients when they are just obese instead of treating them when they are an obese diabetic patients with hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
I wasn't surprised to learn, through my research, that many nurses find it difficult to broach the subject of obesity with their patients, because I feel the same way. They feel uncomfortable about focusing on a childs weight in the absence of a related condition. Some parents may become defensive or deny there is a problem. They may feel they are being blamed for the problem. Some parents use food as a symbol of affection and feel uncomfortable about denying food to their children. Some nurses feel that because many parents of obese children are obese themselves they are hidered in their ability to manage the child's obesity.
As nurses, we will be in an ideal position to deal with this growing epidemic by: identifying at risk groups, identifying hidrances to treating obesity, teaching nutritional needs, explaining complications associated with obesity, and outlining exercise needs for our obese patients.
CF
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You are right, it's uncomfortable to approach people about their weight. I remember feeling bad at the health fair when I was at the body fat analysis station. I can't remember anybody I assessed who wasn't labeled as "Overweight" on the literature we provided. Even though I taught them of healthy foods and exercise, I felt that it didn't matter. Many of them muttered, "I already know." It's easy to eat unhealthy food and hard to work out.
ReplyDeleteObesity in children is on the rise. I remember being a kid and playing outside for hours: going on adventures and hiking with dad, building forts, and riding bikes was our favorite. There are many reasons for the increase in childhood obesity, but inactivity is one huge factor. Computer, TV, and video games are so popular! They hardly require any physical activity. However, I just saw a commercial advertising Jenny Mcarthy using a new Wii fitness program that helps you tone and burn while making sure you get the moves just right! :)