Tania A. Alig

Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. A child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height. The extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once confined to adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Childhood obesity can lead to poor self- esteem and depression.

Childhood Obesity Facts and Statistics One out of every seven low income children in America is obese. Obese children are at a higher risk of developing liver diseases, asthma and Sleep Apnea (problems in breathing while sleeping). Children with obesity have a low self-esteem and the chances of developing psychological problems like depression and anxiety are higher. Obese children have lesser concentration levels and get tired easily, which can pose challenges in their education and their participation in other extra-curricular activities. Obesity also takes a toll on the financial health of a family as estimates suggest that a family with an obese child spends 30% more in health costs and 77% more in medication costs.

Eating habits- instead of having healthy fruits and vegetables, children are more inclined to have processed snacks, fried foods, burgers, pizzas etc. Children often spend their time playing video games, watching television and catching up with each other on social networking websites. time constraints and safety precautions have limited physical activity such as biking, swimming, and park visits

Sales taxes on soda and other high calorie/low nutrition products Green markets, farmers’ markets, healthy food subsidies, mobile green markets School meal nutrition standards; “competitive foods” Nutrition standards School physical and health education Restaurant menu labeling Farm to school programs Child care center healthy eating and physical activity regulations

Your Task: Pretend our school is planning to add health/ wellness as a graded subject in school. Your job is to decide how students should be scored on their report card. What portion of their grade should be fitness what portion nutrition? How will teachers collect grades? Here are some factors to be considered: Will students be required to weigh in? Will they keep a food journal? Will they keep an activity log? What happens if a student receives a failing grade? You are going to write a letter to the appropriate official(s) outlining your plan for this initiative. It should be follow the guidelines for a proper business letter. It must be typed. Most of all it should be convincing and supported by facts.

References -obesity/DS obesity/DS statistics-in-america2011.html statistics-in-america2011.html