U.S. Childhood Obesity and Climate Change - Article Example

Childhood Obesity And Climate Change al Affiliation Childhood Obesity and Climate Change The article was co ed by Maida P. Galvez and Perry E. Sheffield. It objectively defines some of the causes of paediatric morbidity where it pays much attention to childhood obesity. In determining the impact of climate change on the health of children in the United States, the article cites several studies that define the correlation between physical activity level and BMI. According to this article, physical appearance and provision of specific neighbor amenities including sidewalks and bicycle paths encourages the neighborhood to undertake physical activities (Sheffield & Galvez, 2009). It exemplifies with evidence specific environmental impacts on obesity.
In responding to this environmental negativity, the article points out climate change preparedness and prevention efforts. These efforts are grouped into two broad categories, which include increased human-powered transportation and increasing physical activity. However, any climate change intervention adopted must be explored for its potential to decrease the probability of injury risk factors. However, as the article suggests, lack of climate change intervention in various locations leads to unintended effects that could otherwise have a positive health implication on childhood obesity (Sheffield & Galvez, 2009).
The article uses the piecemeal approach in exemplifying the justification of certain climate change interventions. It bases its explanations from a theoretical literature. It is obvious that the reason of why most cities and state in the United States do not have climate change intervention is the fact that the cost of installation cannot be justified by its benefits (Boarnet & Takahashi, 2010). On the contrary, the article suggests that the decision of whether to justify the construction or installation of this intervention should depend on multidisciplinary assessment. According to this article, the uniqueness and disparities in health effect of each state or regions can be demonstrated by children’s development stage, size and/or long life expectancy. As a result, the appropriate application of climate change intervention leads to a healthier diet, increased physical activities and improved air quality.
Reflection or Reactions
The article singles out climate change intervention as the major factors that address the rationale for the continued existence of childhood obesity in the United States. According to this article, lack of this facility put in place automatically result in paediatric morbidity. However, such arguments are somehow very vague and overlook the causes of childhood obesity in the country. In fact, the argument partly addresses the topic since most of the sentiments used to justify the main arguments are theoretical and may not always be a reality (Sheffield & Galvez, 2009). To argue that the presence of climate change intervention, including walkway and bicycle paths reduces obesity is ambiguous and not build on enough premises.
The United States is a high-income country with in-build climate change intervention in almost all states. However, despite the presence of these amenities, physical exercise activities are relatively low. In this perspective, the presence of these facilities in place does not automatically results to reduce childhood obesity. Individual’s choice is a major factor that can be fully attributed to childhood obesity. This includes the choice of what to take, the precautions to follow and whether or not to do exercise (Sheffield & Galvez, 2009). Wealthy states such as Washington DC, New York and Los Angeles still face childhood obesity despite the presence of climate change intervention. This paper, therefore, identifies individual choices, and production requirements and regulations as the major factors that contribute to the risk of obesity to both adults and children.
References
Boarnet, M. G., & Takahashi, L. M. (2010). Bridging the Gap Between Urban Health and Urban Planning. Retrieved from: http://eknygos.lsmuni.lt/springer/184/379-402.pdf
Sheffield, P. E., & Galvez, M. P. (2009). U.S. Childhood Obesity and Climate Change: Moving Toward Shared Environmental Health Solutions. Environmental Justice. Retreived from: file:///C:/Users/HP/Downloads/1094397_childhood_obesity_and_climate_change%20(1).pdf Read More