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/>.
Brittany,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, Childhood obesity is defiantly a reasonable concern. It seems like more and more children have weight problems at such a young age. I feel like there are many contributing factors to childhood obesity. I can see how finding research explaining why the numbers are at a staggering high is a challenge. Simply because I don't think they really have come up with a cause due to the climbing numbers. However the sources you were able to find have great and insightful information. Your first sight had some great points. Environmental make complete since. I two have battled my weight for many years, a couple years ago I went and seen a dietitian and she told me the same thing the environment change and difference in our agriculture is causing the obesity rate in children and adults to climb to an all-time high. Also the cost of food prices for the nutritional wholesome food hitting a record high has a lot to contribute to the obesity epidemic.
I personally don't feel like poverty has anything to do with obesity. Families that are considered poverty usually qualify for food stamp, WIC, food bank support and etc. That's a lot more than other families that live on a tight budget are getting. Sometimes fruit, lean meats and good nutritious food is hard for those families to buy too. As far as poverty families not having a safe place to let their kids out to play I have a hard time believing this we live in America they have rec centers, safe park and plenty of activities to get involved in and etc. In fact the more fortunate children have more access to video games, computers and other items that keep them from getting out and playing like we used to. I feel like obesity is not a matter of financial class but has many factors involved.
Brittany,
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea behind your blog. I find myself asking this same question constantly, what's behind this childhood obesity epidemic? I think that your first source is great and it really helps support your side. I didn't realize that children who are living in poverty perhaps have a greater rish of becoming obese. That makes a lot of sense and is a great point to add to your paper. I also enjoy the second article that you chose because it has some statistics to add to your paper, which is really important. You really need to back up your opinion with facts. After reading your two articles that you posted, I think that childhood obesity has many factors. I think it is partly a parent's responsiblity. For example, the past few times I've gone to a restaurant that's more of a fastfood place, let's use Culver's as an example, I've seen very obese parents with their children, maybe 12, who are also very obese. I think it has a lot to do with a parent and how they are feeding their children. Another thing I'd look into are schools. I know a lot of cafeterias are trying to start serving healthy foods, however, there are still a lot of schools that don't feed their children nutricious foods. Some schools have an option of staying in for recess, meaning less exercise. And some schools have limited gym classes. Do you think that school could have a lot to do with a child's weight? Just something to look into.
Katie
These are great starting resources. There was a point that was in the first one about how obesity in low income homes can be due to lack of fresh produce which is one thing i had heard of before, but I never thought about the fact that there is not a safe place to go play which means kids do not get exercise. That is a great point. Low income families would be a great point for your argument.Speaking from experience it is easier and cheaper to buy junk food which last longer other than produce which you have to by every few days or so. Your second resource talks about if you teach your kids. This also becomes hard if it was the only thing you where ever taught growing up or you never learned healthy habits. Maybe another resource you could find would be easy ways for people to learn how to create healthy habits.
ReplyDelete