The Effectiveness of Current Health Promotion Measures Addressing the Issue of Childhood Obesity - Essay Example

Assignment Part Evaluate the effectiveness of current health promotion measures addressing the issue of childhood obesity. Introduction Obesity is a major global problem. According to the World Health Organisation 300 million adults in the world are obese and more than a billion adults worldwide are overweight.Childhood obesity continues in adulthood and result in chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Two of the major reasons for childhood obesity are a shift in diet towards more energy-rich fatty food and a sedentary lifestyle brought about by urbanisation. More than one in four children in England is overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity in children aged 2 to 10 increased from 9.9% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003. The total number of overweight and obese children rose from 22.7% to 27.7% in this period. Obesity increased most in older children aged 8 to 10, rising from 11.2% in 1995 to 16.5% in 2003. Levels of obesity were similar for both sexes, increasing from 9.6% in 1995 to 14.9% in 2003 for boys and from 10.3% to 12.5% for girls. (Mayor BMJ.2005.) Health Promotion Measures Addressing Childhood Obesity The government's resolution to provide every child with a healthy and safe life that will be economically well off and be enjoyable and productive to society was made clear with the publication of the Green Paper called 'Every Child Matters,' in 2003. The Child Act became law in 2004 and the Children's Plan published in 2007 came out with the strategy to make England a haven for children. An important part of this plan apart from education to every child and improving the economic circumstance, is the important factor of children's health. Childhood obesity is not only a threat to the health of children but also drains the resources of the National Health Service. It is estimated that obesity already costs the NHS directly around 1 billion a year (Third Report of HC, 2003-04). It has been estimated that, if the present trend continues, then by 2010 the annual cost to the economy would be 3.6 billion a year (D. Wanless, 2004). The 2004, Treasury Spending Review made the reduction of childhood obesity a Public Service Agreement (PSA) target. Obesity is a complex problem and hence the interventions needed are an effort by three government departments - The Department of Health (DH), The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). These departments coordinate their efforts at a national level; a programme board with an Obesity PSA Programme Manager has been developed and is funded by all the departments. The work of the board is monitored at the Cabinet level by the Public Health Sub-Committee chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister. There are various programmes that have been developed to tackle childhood obesity through physical activity, healthy diet, information, parental guidance with school help and with help from dietician and paediatricians. Some programmes that are have been initiated are the School Sport Strategy (formerly Physical Education, School Sport and Club Links strategy PESSCL) led jointly by the DfES and DCMS, the DfES programme for improving school meals, the combined DH and DfES Healthy Schools Programme, and DCMS programme for children's play. Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) have been developed to bring together representatives from health, local government, education, other public sector agencies, the private sector and the voluntary and community sectors. These groups jointly decide the local priorities and coordinate activities. Children's trusts, LSP's, local authorities and other stakeholders have also got together to form the Local Area Agreements (LAAs), which will decide the local processes to tackle childhood obesity. Effectiveness of Current Policies in Tackling Childhood Obesity It is encouraging that childhood obesity has been recognised by the government policy makers as a major healthcare issue in UK. The government has (as has been outlined) devised a variety of policies and plans concentrating on two key elements namely diet and physical activity, to tackle this healthcare issue. It is also the right approach in involving both parents and schools in this effort, as these two places majorly influence the lives of children. Policies should particularly be devised to support personal and social development through appropriate and correct information, health education, and enhancement of life skills. People (parents, children and school) should be informed about the consequences and encouraged to adopt conducive habits for healthy existence. Nutrition education should be started in schools to address not only the immediate health benefits of nutritious eating, but the importance of nutrition as a healthy social habit. Proper information, contrary to misleading commercials, should be provided by parents and the school. Schools and parents can collaborate to promote physical activity, as children travel to and from school. Children can be encouraged to walk or bike to school. Using brochures, newsletters, and homework assignments, that parents must sign, educators can inform parents of programmes to increase children's after-school activity levels. Schools can provide alternatives for children during the afternoon, when then can engage in some activity that will provide exercise rather than watch television. Registered dieticians are in good position to tackle obesity by having the skills to provide advice and support for families as well as training to other healthcare professionals, who should recognise the key roles of balanced nutrition and exercise in the prevention and management of disease and the promotion of good health. Family paediatricians can provide children and parents with leaflets aimed at educating both parents and children. Assignment Part 2: Produce a plan for promoting the health of an individual or specific group of people, and evaluate the likely success of your plan. Plan to tackle childhood obesity. Introduction Childhood obesity is set to become the biggest problem, not only for UK, but for the entire world, by the next decade. The problem has assumed such a grave proportion that it has shaken schools and colleges into action. All schools across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are looking at ways in which they can tackle the problem. The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) makes inspection that cover schools, colleges, youth work and teacher training. This body has ruled that to tackle the problem one needs to attack it at the root. The reason for childhood obesity, as has been given before, is primarily fat-rich diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Both these factors can be broadly attributed to lifestyle. So, the problem has to be tackled not only by bringing in lifestyle related changes but also structural improvements through policy. It is with regard to such structural changes that the government needs to pass various policies. For lifestyle changes, Ofsted has determined that school canteen should serve healthy food. Health Promotion and Diverse Approaches Before the assignment question is taken up, a brief discussion on the accepted definition of health promotion and the diverse approaches is necessary. Stated in short, Health promotion is a strategy for promoting the health of whole populations (Bunton, et al, 2002). Though health promotion has been described diversely, most approaches agree that any health promotion strategy needs to involve both individual (lifestyle) and structural (fiscal/ecological) elements. Lifestyle changes aim at reducing behavioural risk factors that can be brought about through change in attitude, development of health skills and development of self-esteem. Structural approaches, on the other hand, involve measures that are fiscal and legal and aim at changes in public policy, to install a healthy aspect to it. Measures such as taxation on alcohol and cigarettes, progressive taxation for reduction of inequalities, etc. are part of this approach. Between the lifestyle and structural approach, as these involve both service and change in behaviour, are the community approaches to healthcare and health protection measures such as screening and immunisation programmes. Whatever is the healthcare approach, the ultimate goal is to reduce ill health and premature death. Proposed Plan Since the root of the problem is food, the canteens have been asked to provide a healthy alternative to the usual menu of 'chips, a fizzy drink and fried food.' Fruits, yoghurt, a non-fizzy drink, sandwiches can easily comprise a healthy and tasty meal. The vending machines in school should also be limited to dispense with harmful and fattening substances. Innovative plans can be introduced, where children can have an allotted 'class' (just before their break), where they actually make their meal menu from fresh ingredients procured by the school. This will not only train children to be self reliant, bring a joy of conjuring their own meal but also create a healthy and cheaper way of providing school meal. One may argue that small children will mess up things. However, teachers will be there to guide and help them. Simple things such as buttering a slice of bread and putting freshly cut vegetables of choice between them can be fun and productive. It can always be treated like a class with grades. It will also save on the cost of wrapping and benefit the environment. For older children, this period can alternatively be a bakery class. Innovative recipes using un-husked wheat can be used to make rolls, breads and cakes. Fruit preservation and making jams can be introduced. If children do not want to take the school meal, they can still learn and imbibe a skill, which will add to their resume. In lots of schools in India, the school provides a fixed 5-day meal menu that children can carry. The menu is planned by the school board in such a way that it is tasty, healthy and adds variety. Such a directive can be send to the parents of the children, who want to carry lunch from home. Supermarkets sell packed lunches. These can also be made healthy according to standard directives. Schools can also encourage more physical activity such as swimming, cross country running, gymnastics and badminton. All of these activities are good not only for helping a child's metabolism but also for strengthening muscles, ligaments and exercising their airways. Schools along with the parent/teacher association can work to increase the awareness of the parents about the dangers of childhood obesity. Ofsted has introduced a programme called National Child Measurement Programme. This programme aims to measure the height and weight of a child upon entry into schooling and follow their growth and development through the years to predict and understand certain trends associated with childhood obesity. Parents need to understand the importance of this programme and take interest and be updated with the results. When the child is take for admission, conscious parents should enquire the school plans and combative measures for childhood obesity. It is also beneficial to talk to the parent teacher body to find out the activities taken in a school. The weekly canteen menu of the school will also be a good indicator to find out how serious the school is about childhood obesity. If parents take such preventive measures, it will make the school authorities more vigilant and attentive to the problem. No school governing body will prefer children taking admission in another school because of unhealthy school policies. Commercials advertising fat-rich food and carbonated drinks influence children a lot. Though such commercials cannot be banned, the government can introduce policies where the makers have to add a statutory warning (like for cigarettes and alcohol), so that children and parents are warned and made aware. Common Problems However, all these measures are not as easy to implement. Fatty and fried food, food with sweeteners and artificial colouring, fizzy drinks is all extremely attractive options for children. The schools will need to depend heavily on parents and the cooperation of the children themselves, for these plans to succeed. The basic need is to raise awareness, so that it is the children themselves who will move away from such food. Another very disturbing factor is the use of commercials to advertise 'fast food' as 'cool' and 'happening.' This should be banned. Local and State Government Roles The role of the government is to bring about structural changes through plans and policies. The government can come out with various incentives and schemes that encourage schools and institutions and food and beverage manufacturers to go the healthy way. Tax reductions can be offered to manufacturers to encourage production of healthy snacks. Schools can be offered grants, if they plan and follow a physical training schedule that will be beneficial for children. Local government can also consider programmes that will mail 'Healthy Height-Weight Information' packages to all residents within its jurisdiction. Such information packages need not have a national conformity but can be customised to the need and preference of each locality. The government can also run public awareness campaigns using celebrities and youth icons, who talk about the dangers of childhood obesity and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Individual Responsibility in Healthcare Health is after all a matter for the individual to decide. So, if the individual child is not conscious of the dangers of obesity, no amount of plans and polices by either the government, schools or parents and teachers can help him/her to overcome the problem. There is a saying, 'you can take the horse to the water but cannot force it to drink.' Similarly, one can attempt all measures, but, if the individual, who is suffering from childhood obesity or is, going that way, do not take steps on his own, then all attempts will be futile. Parents, as individual care givers for their children, should also be keen to tackle the problem. Research shows that parents contribute the largest in providing unhealthy snacks to the child. Sometimes putting such attractive food in a child's hand, ensures the parent some relaxed time for oneself. This is incorrect attitude as in the long-run it will backfire, when the child gets addicted to this type of food. Sometimes, parents try to avoid the bother of cooking fresh meals, by resorting to packaged food. All these activities including a sedentary, coach-potato lifestyle in front of the television or computer has been the pitfalls of urbanisation. However, one cannot blame development for an individual unhealthy choice. Conclusion Since this is not a problem that can be solved by individual or government effort alone, the whole community needs to be involved in healthy eating and more physical activity, to build a better base of human resources. Parents should follow the same good habits to set example to the children. Reference List: Health promotion: disciplines, diversity, and developments [Internet](By Robin Bunton, Gordon Macdonald. 2nd ed: Published 2002.) Available at: http://books.google.co.in/booksid=0Ljs9tAOZRMC&dq=health+promotion+in+the+UK+and+the+diversity+of+approaches.&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=Lk4gS7rrGMuTkAXCvrzbCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CCwQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=health%20promotion%20in%20the%20UK%20and%20the%20diversity%20of%20approaches.&f=false [Accessed 07 Dec 2009.] 1. 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[Internet] (Updated 28 February 2006) Available at: http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/0506/tackling_child_obesity.aspx [Accessed 07 Dec 2009.] Ministers 'dithering' on childhood obesity. [Internet] (Updated 25 Jan 2007) Available at: http://www.politics.co.uk/News/domestic-policy/children/children/ministers-dithering-on-childhood-obesity-$464247.htm [Accessed 07 Dec 2009.] CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN U.K. Internet] (Updated 22 Sep 2009) Available at: http://ivythesis.typepad.com/term_paper_topics/2009/09/childhood-obesity-in-uk.html [Accessed 07 Dec 2009.] Read More