Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Obesity at young age, lack of physical activity, and malnutrition

Blog 2
Luz Maria Macias

“We are rich only through what we give, and poor only through what we refuse”

--Anne Sophie Swetchine

In my first blog I exposed the topic that initially I chosen, “antisocial behavior in early ages”. Unfortunately for work responsibilities I encountered problems to meet with professionals at appropriate times for both and I decided to switch my topic to research about obesity and I will be advocate to nutrition.
As teacher and administrator of a family child care network I have been observing the tremendous increase of obesity in young children. Talking with families enrolled in the program I found out that the lack of time of parents is one of the major causes for the increase of children’s weight. Parents working long hours are not providing their children with nutritional meals, neither with physical activate that could help to avoid obesity. This is an issue that really is affecting our young children, therefore I decided to focus my research paper in obesity and how attack this issue through nutritional meals and physical activities.
I do believe that one challenge will be getting the parents’ cooperation to plan and promote good healthy habits in the family. Another challenge is the community authority’s involvement to provide children and families with physical activities at safety public places.
I think that will be exiting to make the presentation of my plan for parents, teachers and providers in a honest way to transmit them enthusiasm and wishes to be part of this plan helping their children and helping themselves. I am little scare also, because I do not know how participants are going to react and participate.
I am going to encourage participants to start little by little with a daily plan and make short term plans, that later will be part of a daily routine. I am going to invite participants to work together and plan meetings or community events to share progress and create advocate groups in pro health and nutrition.

4 comments:

  1. Maria,
    I think you select a great topic obesity.This is a problem not only among our childrn but among the nation. Research have shown numerous parental influences shape the eating habits of youth including; the choice of an infant feeding method, the foods they make available and accessible, the amount of time children are left unsupervised and their eating interactions with other in the social context. This is a great topic. Good Luck!!!

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  2. Hello,
    This is a great topic, and I can tell you are very dedicated to it. A lot of parents and families do not have the time to deal with health and nutrition, and your plan will help them to deal and prevent obesity. Good luck on your presentation!

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  3. Luz Maria,
    I think you have a great topic and awarenesss is needed when it comes to our children. This is an area our children struggles with. Research also, indicate that the social context in which a child is introduced to or has experiences with food is instrumental in shaping food preferences because of eating environment serve as a model for the developing child. For many children eating is a social event that often times occurs in the present of parents, other adults, older siblings, and peers. You have a great topic Good Luck!!

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  4. Obesity is definitely an issue with so many children these days that it will be a great topic to advocate for.Parents need to not just be aware of what theri children eat but what type of exercise they get and where they can themselves get the info they need to make the correct healthy choices for their families.
    Like you I am a little scared to do my presentation but I am just not sure I will be able to hit everything I want to and still not be rambling for hours. I am sure you will do great. Good Luck!!

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