Friday, April 19, 2013

     The two professionals I chose to interview had direct information on the my advocacy topic of Childhood Obesity. I chose a first grade teacher named Jessica and a Nutrition Aide named Cheryl. The both had so much to share through the interview from both a professional and personal prospective. I found that even though they both work in different capacities with children, many of their insights were the same.  What I also found to be interesting is that many of their thoughts were parallel to my own, during the interviews.  The insights I found regarding current advocacy efforts and needs in my area of interest within the field of early childhood is that both of he professionals felt children needed to get more exercise during and after school. I do agree, with the level of single parents today; it is often difficult for children to have access to outdoor play after school. The interviews really influenced my decision about the area of childhood obesity because most of their concerns were in direct correlation with what is taking place today that contributes to childhood obesity.  Cheryl pointed out that some of the issues are portion sizes and control, and choice selection. Working closely with the cafeteria manager, she pointed out that it is also important to prepare foods in a healthy manner for children. She stated to limit the salt, sugar and butter we add to foods and take a more natural and wholesome approach when seasoning foods.  The questions that I have for my colleagues related to my interest choice of childhood obesity applies to many people today; who are struggling with obese children. One question would be, what can we do as educators to help eliminate childhood obesity? Who should be held accountable for obese children? Should we hold our school systems and government accountable.  Cheryl made a point, that many programs have either limited or cut the physical education programs in schools. Jessica also pointed out the effects that childhood obesity plays in the classroom as it relates to diet and poor nutrition. She stated this all plays a negative effective on the children cognitively. They are either too hyper or lethargic due to poor diets.  I asked Jessica if there was one thing she could change today to help stop childhood obesity, and she state it would be to increase awareness on healthy choices and the benefits of feeding children healthy foods. She stated she would want an initiative that educated the entire family and the school systems. She added the results would improve it they all worked together collaboratively. In conclusion I found that we all shared a common concern for the issues and topics that faced childhood obesity, and that was as a community we need to take action.

6 comments:

  1. Hi Reva, I like your topic and find that although education system has tried to change what children eat gradually, we still need to improve in this area. I think it would be helpful to have nutritional talks with all children from kindergarten through high school. I think if we speak out to our student and help educate in this area it will prevent some areas of healthier choices. I also say students, because it is hard to educate parents, all we can do is share information with them hoping they will take and share. I have seen some documentaries on nutrition but one that comes to mind that my daughter in high school was shown in one of her classes and I want to say it is called "Super Size Me" I advise you to watch it if you have netflex I know it is there. It is a great documentary that you will gain some great insights. This documentary left my daughter not wanting to eat certain things. I strongly feel that these are the kind of things that need to be shared to allow students to learn and make the right choices.

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  2. I really like your concern on the topic of childhood obesity. I work on the reservation where obesity and diabetes are a serious problem. Most people participate in little to no exercise and have very unhealthy diets. I think that parents really need to be held responsible for their children being obese. It is not the schools or the governments job to control every aspect of our lives. I knew a child who was only three years old, just entered Head Start and was over eighty pounds! The school could have no influence on this child and it is his parents who did not keep their child's health in mind while feeding him or allowing him to stay inside all day watching tv. I think that exercise should be the main focus on the fight against obesity, because in this day and age exercise is avoided because it is difficult and most people do not want to put in the effort to change their daily habits. I wish you luck with your research!

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  3. Hi, Reva I totally agree that there is a major problem with our children when it comes to obesity especially now since it has become more public now. Families need and should be educated about healthy eat and exercise it needs to be collaborated and consistent; it's one things to be educated but it's another thing to do it and stay consistent. Poor diet is a huge part of obesity. Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors I enjoyed reading your post keep up the good work and good luck Reva.

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  4. Reva,
    I agree with your thoughts that it can be difficult for children to play outside after school. Recess is a really good idea for kids to get exercise and outdoor play, but teachers often treat this as a luxury, or a reward to be taken away for bad behavior. Recess should be mandatory.

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  5. I have become even more concerned with this topic recently. Today I saw a family waiting for the bus. They were all eating junk food as they waited, but then I saw the mom pour coca cola into the toddler's sippy cup.There is just no excuse for that. Parents need more education about nutrition, to lessen childhood obesity.

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  6. Reva, your topic that you chose is a big concern in areas all around the country. Providing more healthy alternatives is the way to go to help fight childhood obesity. In Florida, much has been done to try to alter this problem, but the changes are not in every area. I had the opportunity to work briefly at a school that allowed the students to grow their own vegetables and to actually help to cultivate the food that they grow. Fresh salads are offered at every lunch with plenty of fresh fruit. Instead of regular fries, sweet potato fries have been the replacement. Outdoor activities are being brought back into the school system with more time spent outdoors again for the students. I have especially seen the biggest issue with students eating unhealthy because parents are so on the run and the family does not sit down like they used to. If we can educate the parents of the importance of the family meal, it can be a big help in better eating habits like what we used to have.

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