NUTRITION FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED YOUTH BY. RACHEL ANZANO UNDERGRADUATE HEALTH PROMOTERS

"The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake." First Lady Michelle Obama at the Let’s Move! launch on February 9, 2010

BACKGROUND Childhood obesity major public health concern in U.S. Obesity- over consumption of calories in comparison to physical activity levels Sedentary lifestyle is the norm children lack regular physical activity Increased negative affects on ethnic/ racial minority children Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years

BACKGROUND 20-60% higher obesity levels in unfavorable social conditions Low socioeconomic status Unsafe environment High poverty rates Lack of family support system Limited access to local grocery stores, farmers markets, recreational parks more fast food and convenience stores

HITTING CLOSE TO HOME Newark, NJ 88% of city population are of ethnic minority 45% children ages 3-5 obese 81% do not meet daily vegetable needs 60% of children not getting recommended level of physical activity 55% do not eat at least 1 serving of fruits or vegetable per day 44% of children do not have a health related curriculum in their school system

OBESITY IS A GROWING CONCERN IN THE UNITED STATES

MICHELLE OBAMA’S LET’S MOVE! CAMPAIGN Let’s Move! is a health initiative dedicated to solving childhood obesity. Aims to put children on a path to a healthy future during their earliest years or months. - provides parents with information to foster healthy environments - providing healthier foods in school systems - Every family has access to affordable, health food - helping kids become more physically active

Let’s Move! Aims to put children on a path to a healthy future during their earliest years or months.

AS HEALTH PROMOTERS, WHAT CAN WE DO? Spread awareness! Implement health initiative program Educate children about healthy food choices Predispositions to health related diseases Promote living an active life Emphasize practicing good habits Exercise, making the right food choices, getting the whole family on board with this lifestyle change

GOALS OF HEALTH PROMOTERS Educate Children about health risks and susceptibility Teach children to be proactive Make healthy lifestyle choices Enrich knowledge in health education Boost overall levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem

HEALTH CONCERNS Obesity and poor eating habits increases the risk of contracting illnesses. Coronary heart disease Stroke Type 2 diabetes Mental health conditions Respiratory problems WebMD

RECOMMENDED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL 3 types of physical activity: Aerobic activity Muscle strengthening Bone strengthening Center for Disease Control and Prevention

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL Aerobic activity 60 min per day; moderate to vigorous intensity level Ex: biking, walking to school, playing on the playground, swimming, running, football Muscle strengthening 3 days per week, 30 min per day Ex: tug-of-war, gymnastics, football, rugby Bone strengthening Produce impact on bones to promote growth and strength 3 days per week, 30 min (included with muscle strengthening) Ex; Walking, running, basketball, martial arts Get Active! Center for Disease Control and Prevention

NUTRITION TIPS Recommended servings for each food groups for children ages 2-13 years: Grains: 3-6oz per day Vegetables: 1-3 cups Fruits: 1-2 cups Milk/Dairy: 2-3 cups Meat/Beans: 2-5oz ChooseMyPlate.gov

PICKING THE RIGHT FOODS Grains o Whole-wheat flour, oatmeal, whole cornmeal, brown rice Vegetables o Broccoli, spinach, kale, collard greens, corn, potatoes, carrots, peppers, green beans, avocado, onions Fruits o Apples, bananas, grapes, mangoes, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, oranges Milk/Dairy Meats/Beans o Black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans Choose My Plate.gov

INCORPORATE FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IN NUTRITION Have regular family meals  Promote eating at the same time, together Get kids involved  Take them food shopping, assist in meal preparation  Proactive way to learn about healthy food choices Cook meals at home  Home-cooked meals overall more healthy Have variety of snacks readily available  Fruits, vegetables, whole grain snacks, low-sugar beverages Limit portion sizes Helpguide.org

For a great way to monitor your food habits and be provided assistance with maintaining a healthy diet visit: ChooseMyPlate

TAKE- AWAY POINTS Children in underprivileged areas have increased chances of being overweight or obese. Less likely to have available resources- local food stores, parks/ recreational settings Less support from family- parents work full time, not around to monitor what children eat or snack on Healthy food can be expensive and inaccessible

HEALTH PROMOTERS CAN… Initiate health education programs: Educate about proper eating habits Educate about proper exercise habits Prevention against health related illnesses and diseases Encourage the whole family to get involved- physical activity levels, healthy eating

REFERENCES Bilaver, L. A. (2010). Socioeconomic determinants of childhood obesity. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 138. Retrieved from Chang, Y. (2012). Multilevel determinants of childhood obesity. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 118. Retrieved from Singh, G. K., Siahpush, M., & Kogan, M. D. (2010). Neighborhood socioeconomic conditions, built environments, and childhood obesity. Health Affairs, 29(3), Retrieved from Ohri-Vaschaspati, P., Llyod, K., Chou, J., Petlick, N., Brownlee, S., Yedidia, M. The New Jersey Childhood Obesity Study. Rutgers Center for State Health Policy-Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Retrieved from: people.aspx#close