THE FAT KID IN SCHOOL........

Children in the United States are becoming more overweight
and obese, putting them at risk for serious health concerns
such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and elevated
cholesterol and blood pressure levels. In addition to the
risk of obesity-related health concerns, poor food choices
could lead to other health concerns, like osteoporosis from
inadequate calcium intake.

In response to growing concerns over obesity, national
attention has focused on the need to establish school
nutrition standards and limit access to competitive foods.
As a result, over the past few years, school nutrition
policy initiatives have been put into place at federal,
state, and local levels. However, responses of school
districts to meeting wellness policy requirements have not
been consistent.
A National Parent Teacher Association survey indicates
that approximately two-fifths of the nation's elementary
schools have abolished recesses or are currently considering
such eliminations. Other schools seem to have been influenced
by litigious fears prompted by ever-increasing numbers of
frivolous lawsuits. Instead of doing away with recess
altogether, they have taken to restricting students from
participating in any activities which could cause injury.
Some schools have even posted "No Running" signs on playgrounds.

Additionally, physical education classes, which were once
a required component of every school's curriculum, have been
disappearing from schools altogether, as districts attempt to
tighten their collective belts and see P.E. as acceptable
collateral damage in their fight to ensure that no child is
left behind.

The irony of declining physical activity in schools is
absurdly underscored by the increased accessibility to
junk food. The federal government provides minimal standards
for ensuring nutrition in foods served and sold in the
country's schools, adopting a laissez faire attitude toward
these "competitive foods" that comprise an unhealthy bulk of
students' daily diet.
Or Have You Not Gone Far Enough?

Many children are spending more time in school,
after-school programs, and daycare, and less time at home.
Additionally, the increased need for two incomes to support
a family means fewer opportunities for parents and children
to interact. When they don't have the time to do otherwise,
parents are, at best, conferring many of their parenting
responsibilities upon schools and quality childcare programs.
Unfortunately, there are others who see fit to trust their
child's upbringing to the 21st century's newest nannies,
PlayStation® and Xbox®. This latter trend is leading children
toward more sedentary pursuits, encouraging them to stay
indoors on the weekends and after school rather than enjoy
an afternoon pick-up ball game or hide and seek.

According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the
National Academy of the Sciences, and its report, "Focus
on Childhood Obesity," approximately 9 million children,
six years of age and older, are currently obese. The report
indicates that since the 1970s, the percentage of obesity
in preschool-age children (2-5 years) and adolescents
(12-19 years) has doubled, while for children aged 6-11
years, that percentage has more than tripled. While the
trend toward child obesity cannot be placed entirely at
the feet of the nation's schools, many do not seem too
concerned with finding a solution. The question, then,
becomes: what are you prepared to do for the health and
welfare of your child?