2011 State Prevalence Among Low-Income Children Aged 2 to 4 Years: Childhood obesity

2011 State Prevalence Among Low-Income Children Aged 2 to 4 Years. 2012. Chart. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionWeb. 11 Nov 2013. <http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html>.

Short Video

Check out this YouTube video about childhood obesity

Final Three Sources

I found these resources using EBSCO. After reading multiple articles I found that intertwined with many articles is a mention or two of my research question. Although there was hardly as much information regarding how family lifestyles result in childhood obesity it really made me understand that there are really a lot of other factors I did not take into consideration. I did not realize that we promote a sedentary lifestyle. We drive cars instead of walking or biking, we call our neighbor for sugar instead of just walking over there, we look online for answers instead of walking around the library, and many other various substitutions we have made over time. Although a lot of this research has redirected my argument, I think that it has the potential to make a very strong essay.

A research article published by BMC Public Health explored the common risk factors of childhood obesity, and how most can be identified in infancy. The research examined how six groups of different demographics still struggled with some of the same issues of portion control and misconception of an infant’s cry as hunger. The data shows that formula, because of the higher protein, may be a responsible reason for the weight gain. It also shows that early transition to solid foods for infants is significantly associated with children becoming overweight or even obese at the age of three. Another area of research was parent’s response to their child’s cry is a risk factor. Data showed that low-income mothers used food to soothe their fussy children. The research also explored how parents perceive their child’s growth and appetite. Research demonstrated that mothers thought that weight was the best marker to thriving parenting. The research concluded that mothers with higher BMI during gestation tended to gain less weight while pregnant, but had higher infant weight gain. It also showed a correlation that overweight mothers breast-fed less and weaned their child earlier to solid foods.

 

“Physical Activity and Childhood Obesity: Strategies and Solutions for Schools and Parents” an article written by, Gregory Green, Clarence Riley and Brenda Hargrove suggests the different ways that parents and schools can get involved to help this rising epidemic of childhood obesity. This article explains that obesity has grown because we are consuming more fast food and participating in non-active activities more than we ever have before. The article cites, “In general, a typical child is exposed to 40,000 fast food advertisements annually.” (2) The article also presents staggering evidence that physical education and physical activity has decreased considerably for school-age children. The article gives parents the advice to follow the guidelines of American Academy of Pediatrics and limit the amount of time your child is participating in “screen time.” Involve the whole family in making healthy lifestyle choices, become an advocate to maintain parks as a safe area for children, and select healthy food choices for your family at the grocery store.

Kellie R. Lang, writes an article that is published by Pediatric Nursing. She addresses the 2011 proposal that severely obese children should be taken out of their parent’s care and put into a foster home. The idea that children who are severely unnourished and are under-fed leading to malnourishment are taken out of their home due to neglect, and some feel that the same goes for severely obese children. They would only take the children if there is a high probability of immediate harm to the child. Lang disagrees with this proposal stating that there is no proof that a foster home could better manage the child’s weight than their own parents. Also, Lang urges that it is not only the parent’s fault that a child is obese. She explains that a parent has no control what decisions a child makes outside of their home or when his/her parents are not around. She suggests that the advertisements that are on TV play a significant role in the choices that children make. She also says that our environment encourages a sedentary lifestyle that does not promote a lot of physical activity. Lang concludes that if the Federal Government can spend the money to prosecute individual parents, then it should be required to first spend the money on public health to educate children and families on this epidemic.

WORKS CITED: 

Green, Gregory, Clarence Riley, and Brenda Hargrove. "Physical Activity And Childhood Obesity: Strategies And Solutions For Schools And Parents." Education 132.4 (2012): 915-920. Academic Search Premier. Web. 5 Nov. 2013.

Lang, Kellie R. "Parents Of Obese Children And Charges Of Child Abuse: What Is Our Response?." Pediatric Nursing 38.6 (2012): 337-340. Academic Search Premier. Web. 7 Nov. 2013.

Redsell, Sarah A., et al. "Parents Beliefs About Appropriate Infant Size, Growth And Feeding Behaviour: Implications For The Prevention Of Childhood Obesity." BMC Public Health 10.(2010): 711-720. Academic Search Premier. Web. 5 Nov. 2013.

Summary of My First Two Sources

When I chose childhood obesity as my research topic I thought I would be immersed in a lot of information-rich articles and references. While there is a lot of information there is not a lot supporting my argument, and most of it is very vague. As I am quickly learning, we are still trying to find out why childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic. There are correlations, and changes being made, but we are still waiting to see the results of the changes. I have found more counterpoints to my paper than I thought possible. I have been using Academic Search Premier, Points of View Reference Center, and Consumer Health Complete to find related documents.

My first source is a congressional testimony given by Dr. Joseph W. Thompson. Director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity, a pediatrician and Surgeon General of the state of Arkansas. His testimony examines how the result of childhood obesity isn't categorized into just one area. It is the transformation of eating models and environmental changes that have affected the surroundings our children are exposed to. With schools limiting physical education, offering "competitive snacks" in vending machines, and other various food a la cart, Thompson states, "... we have created an environment that fosters rather than prevents childhood obesity." (Thompson) He also explores how in low-income neighborhoods children are more likely to become overweight or obese because of the limited access to grocery stores with fresh produce, and safe areas for children to play. Being an expert in the field, Thompson, encourages the entire community to take part in this epidemic, and work together to create a neighborhood that encourages a healthy lifestyle for all families.

This source has helped address a key counterpoint to my argument. It explores the differences in economic disadvantages and the struggles that some families face in order to provide healthy and nutritious meals for their families.

Works Cited:
DR. JOSEPH W. THOMPSON, MD, MPH DIRECTOR ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION CENTER TO PREVENT CHILDHOOD OBESITY. "Child Obesity." FDCH Congressional Testimony (n.d.): Points of View Reference Center. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.

Unknown. N.d. Photograph. Colorado Farm to School. Web. 2 Nov 2013. <http://coloradofarmtoschool.org/>.

The second source comes from the magazine Men's Health. The article is titled "The Trouble With Fat Kids..." and was written by Peter Moore, Nichole Screws and Adam Campbell. This article is written for dads and encourages them to take an active role in their child's life, particularly in their food choices. The article has a lot of statistics as well as two pediatric doctors, Dr. Levine and Dr. Katz, that give comments about the childhood obesity epidemic. Dr. Katz explains that it is the parent's responsibility to teach their child to enjoy healthier foods. He continues by sharing that if you buy junk food the kids will eat it, but if you do not buy the unhealthy food then the kids will eat what is available to them. The article concludes with a mock ten commandments that encourage a healthier lifestyle. This article will help because it has some very specific statistics as well as a solid article supporting my research claim.

Works Cited:
Moore, Peter, Nichole Screws, and Adam Campbell. "The Trouble With Fat Kids.." Men's Health (10544836) 18.9 (2003): 100. TOPICsearch. Web. 1 Nov. 2013.
Unknown. 2013. Photograph. UrbanDaddies.com. Web. 2 Nov 2013. <http://www.urbandaddies.com/featured-1/new-studies-find-horseplay-with-dads-vital-to-kid-development/>. 

Photo Analysis

The above picture was posted by Examiner.com accompanying an article on childhood obesity. This picture has a center point, and it is the baby. The small child is is reaching for the chicken nuggets, and grabbing for the french fries. Behind him/her is a large fountain drink. The proportion of the child to the parents is dramatic. 

It appears by the facial expression of the small child it almost seems like the child was having a fit before the parents gave him/her the french fries. The body language of the parents further clarifies it. The assumed father looks like he is just handing over the french fries as quickly as possible, and the mother has her hands clasped like she didn't know how else to calm the child. It appears the parents are both workers. The father appears to be in a suit, and the mother in a dress in heels while the baby is only in a diaper and bib. This could mean that when they pick up their child they are wanting to quickly get food for him/her because they do not feel like cooking. 

The large soda, fries and nuggets proportion to the child makes me believe that those are the kinds of food the child eats. The red color makes me think of McDonald's, and with the $1.00 any size soda, makes me think they got the larger soda because it is a "deal."

This can help strengthen my research question because although the media advertises the large portion sizes, the parents are the ones choosing to give their child the large portions, and unhealthy meal. When a child is that small they cannot make certain choices for themselves, and it is part of the parent's responsibility to teach them how to make good food choices. If I'd let my daughter choose her meals everyday it would consist of candy, cookies, juice and pancakes. I however as a parent have been teaching her that those goodies are okay every once in a while, but not every day. As she has gotten older she now almost always eats her fruits and vegetables first, and when I ask her what she wants for a snack she'll say an apple, or grapes, or other nutritious snacks.


Works Cited:
Untitled. Photograph. ExaminerWeb. 16 Oct 2013. <http://www.examiner.com/article/childhood-obesity-junk-food-commercials-are-stealing-out-children>.

Research Question

My research question is:
With childhood obesity at an all-time high and blame placed upon the media, are parents really to blame for their children's health?

Based on my current knowledge of childhood obesity I believe it is the parents’ fault that their child is overweight. I am a mother of a two year old, and I have worked in a child care center for four years. I have witnessed many different parenting techniques as well as different income levels. Every family is different, but health is something that every family faces regardless of income or education. I do believe media has some play into the crisis, but ultimately it is the job of a parent to make decisions for their child regarding their health and well-being.

Some responses to my research question might be that people think the media has a huge part of the obesity of children, others might say there can be other lying health conditions that have been passed from generation to generation that might be the culprit, some might even believe there is an income barrier that prevents low-income families the resources and income to make healthy decisions, and others might agree thinking parents are to blame.

To gain credibility as well as strengthen my argument, I want to find out statistics of childhood obesity and the sources in which can lead to childhood obesity. Long-term affects might be able to help strengthen my argument, but depending on the content I find may dilute my purpose. I want to explore other opposing viewpoints and figure out what they believe is the main source. Another area that can help is learning what the average child at each stage in development needs nutrition wise. I would also like to read about research that has been conducted regarding the obesity and find correlating links of why it is still growing after the release of many educational programs have been released. Finally, I think it would be beneficial to "people-watch" and see what kind of food choices parents are making for their children, although I do not know if it would be considered credible since it will be me witnessing the behavior.

Introduction

My name is, Brittany, and I am a mother and soon-to-be wife (in a week!). I am an observer, so I evaluate every interaction and situation before I fully am able to open-up. I currently work in school-age child care where I get to be a part of over fifty families' lives. I have been working with children since I began babysitting when I was 12, and have worked in a formal center for four years now. I currently work at a low-income school where I see many different cultural and behavioral differences. Although I have dedicated many years to working with children, I am actually studying to be an accountant. I am excited to start exploring and learning about childhood obesity, and the causes. I have been a witness to so many children and the struggles they face being over-weight, and I hope to create a passionate argumentative paper over it. I hope you all enjoy this journey with me.

Brittany