New Article: The Serious Problem of Childhood Obesity

Posted by on January 23, 2004

[posted from Public Education Network newsblast]

BEYOND BABY FAT: THE SERIOUS PROBLEM OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

The medical community is calling childhood obesity the nation’s “largest emerging issue” and a “national epidemic” that demands urgent attention. And policy makers at the state and federal level are responding, writes Susan Black. Many overweight kids are bringing social and emotional problems — as well as potential health problems — to school with them. Obesity’s emotional toll is obvious even in childhood, but its physical toll often doesn’t show up until later. As the American Heart Association’s Paul Hartman said recently in a television interview, “The face of heart disease is a 10-year-old sitting in a classroom with high blood pressure.” To prevent a lifetime of poor health, it makes sense to tackle obesity during childhood. While research is clear that the problem can’t be cured without parent and community support, there’s plenty
schools can do.

http://www.asbj.com/current/research.html


More in "New Resources"


Stay Current in Philly's Higher Education and Nonprofit Sector

We compile a weekly email with local events, resources, national conferences, calls for proposals, grant, volunteer and job opportunities in the higher education and nonprofit sectors.