Childhood Obesity

Persuasive Essay # 100921

Child, Youth Issues
Medical and Health > Nutrition and Exercise
Medical and Health > Public Health Issues

Childhood Obesity

This paper discuses the prevention of childhood obesity.

1,970 words () | 9 sources | MLA | 2006 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, if the trend continues at the current rate, nearly 34% of the U.S. children will be obese, which indicates that childhood obesity has become a nationwide epidemic. The author points out that the arrival of advanced electronic technology in the last thirty years, such as television, video games and the Internet, is now devouring time once spent doing physical activities, such as playing tag or basketball. The paper urges the federal government to take the leadership role by make the prevention of childhood obesity a top priority on the national health agenda, such as the past public safety movements. The author suggests that all levels of government coordinate programs that include nutritional education focusing on proper eating habits and physical activity training.

From the Paper:

"Many schools in America no longer offer physical education as part of their curriculum. A 2000 survey found that only 8 percent of elementary schools, 6.4 percent of middle schools, and 5.8 percent of high schools require daily physical education.. Schools should begin requiring daily physical activities. The Surgeon General recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children. By following recommended guidelines on physical activity, schools will be supporting the prevention of childhood obesity. The efforts of schools are just as important as the individual efforts at home."

Sample of Sources Used:

Burke, Valerie. "Obesity in Childhood and Cardiovascular Risk". Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology & Physiology Vol. 33 Issue 9 (2006): 831-837. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Scottsdale Community College, Lib. 15 Oct. 2006 <http://ezproxy.sc.maricopa.edu>.
Buttriss, J.L. "Stark Reality: Statistics on Childhood Obesity." Nutrition Bulletin Vol. 31 Issue 3 (2006): 175-177. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Scottsdale Community College, Lib. 15 Oct. 2006 <http://ezproxy.sc.maricopa.edu>.
Harper, Mary. "Childhood Obesity." Family & Community Health Vol. 29 Issue 4 (2006): 288-298. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Scottsdale Community College, Lib. 15 Oct. 2006 <http://ezproxy.sc.maricopa.edu>.
Kendall, P., K. Wilken and E. Serrano. "Childhood Obesity". Colorado State University. June 2006 <http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09317.html>.
Koplan, Jeffrey P., Catharyn T. Liverman, and Vivica I. Kraak, eds. Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance. Institute of Medicine of the National Academies: Food and Nutrition Board. Washington, D.C.: National, 2004.