Solutions to childhood obesity

By Natalie Allen

Many parents agree that a lack of regular exercise is a major reason children today are increasingly overweight. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one in ten children is obese and one in five is overweight. We cannot afford to risk the health of our children by letting this cycle continue. Instead, parents and schools should work together to make physical activity a lifelong skill.

Some schools today have cut back on physical education classes due to budgetary concerns, and often kids don't play outside as much as they used to, instead spending more time watching television or playing on the computer. As a school community health educator and parent, I understand the hectic schedules for today's families. Sometimes balanced nutrition and exercise takes a back seat to the daily demands of school, after-school activities, and family responsibilities. In addition, you may not be aware what kind or how much exercise your child gets at school, or what he or she is doing at home while you are still at work.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the percentage of students who took part in physical education on a daily basis dropped from 42 percent to 29 percent between 1991 and 1999. If you don't know how much physical activity your child gets in a normal school day, ask. Find out what the school standards are -- and, if necessary, request more time be devoted to organized physical activity.

While many children participate in organized sports, this is not the only way to encourage physical activity. Children riding bikes, walking to and from school, and even playing games in the back yard are all great ways for them to get active and healthy. Educators and parents understand that the most effective way to help our kids lead a safe and healthy life is by working together. As part of an emphasis on being a lifetime learner we can encourage all kinds of physical activity and reinforce kids' desire for play. Help children develop an interest in and the skills for activities they can continue throughout their lifetime, such as swimming and biking. Lifestyle fitness activities such as these promote a healthy, lifelong fitness routine.

Regular physical activity can help improve the lives of young people beyond its effects on physical health. Studies have found participation in physical activity increases adolescents' self-esteem, reduces anxiety and stress, and may also help increase students' capacity for learning. In addition, quality physical education programs help meet the developmental needs of kids by improving mental alertness, promoting social well-being, emphasizing teamwork, self-discipline and leadership.

Because of my interest in promoting physical education for our children, I joined the Coalition for a Healthy and Active America, a national grassroots organization which brings together parents, communities, and schools to craft responsible solutions to the problem of childhood obesity. Part of the CHAA mission is focused on a rededication to physical fitness and expanded nutrition education in schools as the most crucial step in ending the obesity epidemic. As an educator, this is an important message for our communities.

Encourage your kid to be a lifetime learner and join in physical fitness for good health. Become involved in the physical education they receive at school, and promote a healthy, active lifestyle at home.

Natalie Allen, MEd, RD is Missouri spokeswoman for the Coalition for a Healthy and Active America, a national grassroots organization which brings together parents, communities, and schools to craft responsible and balanced solutions to the problem of childhood obesity. For more information, visit www.chaausa.org or e-mail missouri@chaausa.org.