Helping Parents and Caregivers Fight Chilhood Obesity Essay

Helping Parents and Caregivers in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity Young children acquire their knowledge by dint of direct instruction, modeling, and experiences within their environment (Lanigan, 2010, p. 369). Children who are obese are known to watch lower self-esteem, and a higher risk of becoming drinkers, smokers, and/or socially isolated as they mature. Health concerns such as Cardiovascular Disease Gall Bladder problems Hypertension and Sleep Apnea have all been associated with childhood corpulency (Robinson Geier Rizzolo Sedrak, 2011). Teaching portion control, implementing a healthy balanced nourishment, and adding in daily physiological activities provoke serve up parents and caregivers in the fight against childhood corpulency. Portion control is something that has to be developed from within a person. By introducing and practicing the use of healthy eating habits early in life, parents and caregivers are increasing the opportunities for a child to memo adva nce behaviors that can help them to develop a healthy life style.This type of life style can in turn increase the childs chances of reversing or even preventing obesity. Teaching children to recognize what it feels care in their bodies when they are hungry or what could be called their hunger signals, while encouraging them to eat their viands more slowly, and persuading them to stop eating when they feel they have had enough, even though they may still have food left over, are all ways of promoting healthy eating habits in children. The practice and observance of these skills will benefit children in their journey to a healthy life. Creating a healthy balanced diet can be a gainsay for families. The convenience of the fast food industry has increased the challenge for families. Most families have parents or caregivers who work long hours and have little down time, causing them to trip up dinner verses preparing it as was once the norm.In a balanced diet, the recommendation of carbohydrates is 45% to 50% of the primitive daily calories, while fat intake is at 30% to 35% (Philippas Lo, 2005). Focusing on the skilful fats and carbs are of extreme importance. Making choices with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and healthier poly- andmonounsaturated fats, verses saturated fats and refined carbohydrates like white bread, refined sugar, diffuse drinks, cakes and candies, can dramatically assist in the battle against childhood obesity. While portion control and a healthy balanced diet are essential in the fight against childhood obesity, the benefits of physical employment should not be ignored. Exercise is a key component in the treatment and prevention of obesity in children (Robinson Geier Rizzolo Sedrak, 2011).Exercise will assist in weight loss as well as improve metabolic risk factors such as hypertension, and has been known to have led to the lowering of kind pressure, along with reducing in depression, anxiety, and improvement of self-esteem (Robinson Geier Rizzolo Sedrak, 2011). The obesity epidemic is being blamed for the rise in serious diseases and disorders (Robinson Geier Rizzolo Sedrak, 2011). With this information of the multiple health concerns that have been associated with childhood obesity, parents and caregivers must be fortify with education and resources to fight against this disease. Teaching portion control, implementing a healthy balanced diet, and adding in daily physical activities can help parents and caregivers in the fight against the disease known as childhood obesity.