The Social and Emotional Wellbeing of the Australian Child - Term Paper Example

Running Header: The Social and Emotional Wellbeing of the Australian Child: A Case of Obesity Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course Code: Date of Submission: The Social and Emotional Wellbeing of the Australian Child: A Case of Obesity Purpose The increasing number of obese and overweight children is a social and economic concern to Australia. With the ever changing lifestyles in Australia like inadequate or lack of physical exercise and poor eating habits is making children gain more weight as compared to their heights (Gill et al., 2009:146). A healthy nation is a key ingredient for development. This then means that government should put in more measures to curb this national problem. Moreover, it is the onus of parents and individual to do the same. This report outlines the wellbeing of the Australian child between the ages 5-15 years by using obesity disease as a case example. To explore the issue deeply, the report highlights contributory factors especially fast foods and its impact on the family. Additionally, the report provides recommendations on how this concern can be improved on. Introduction There is a huge concern of children who are having increased Body Mass Index. It is noted that obesity contributes towards chronic diseases and disability. Moreover, various researches do conclude that an obese child is likely to experience the same in adulthood. This puts one into risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Apart from being exposed to ill health, obesity posits grave financial costs to individuals and the state as a whole. In 2008, it is estimated that Australia incurred $58 billion as health costs, productivity and career costs. The report revealed that approximately 600, 000 children aged 5-17 are obese and overweight. This was a 5 % increase from the 1995 survey (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009). Definition of Terms World Health Organisation (2012) defines obesity as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.” This is normally measured in terms of Body Mass Index. According to them, Body Mass Index (BMI) is defined as (a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of his or her height in meter.” In a nutshell it is an index of weight-for-height used to measure obesity (Kg/m2). In their definition parameters, a person who has recorded a BMI greater than or equal to 25 is termed overweight. On the other hand, a person who has recorded BMI greater than or equal to 30 is termed obese. Background According to Better Health Channel (2012:1), the number of those who are overweight in Australia has tripled. In addition, currently it is estimated that one in five children and adolescents are obese or overweight. The article further, indicates that a quarter of Australian children can be considered obese or overweight. Moreover, it is projected that by 2020, 65 % of young Australians will be obese or overweight (Better Health Channel, 2012:1).The 2007/ 08 National Health Survey painted a grim picture of what Australia is undergoing. The study showed that 24.9% of people aged 5-17 is obese or overweight. The same research indicated that for the same age bracket, 2.8% of boys are obese and overweight while 24.0% of girls are equally the same. The same findings are corroborated with Australian National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing, 2010). On obesity alone, the trends over time then shows that obesity in children increased from 5% to 8% with those considered overweight being 17% (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009). The National Health Survey of 07/08 cited in Australian Bureau of Statistics (2009) indicates that there was significant increase in the percentage of boys who were obese. The study shows that the number of boys aged 5-17 with obesity doubled. The proportion increased from 5 % in 1995 to 10% in 2007/08 period. The increase was noticeable in both younger and older boys. 8% of boys falling in 5-12 age brackets were considered obese. This was a 4% increase from 1995 data. However within this period, the study shows that percentage of girls with obesity did not change. This then shows that the well being of Australians are compromised in certain sectors. Contributory factors Poor Eating Habits “Junk Foods” Even though many factors contribute to and determine the prevalence of obesity in children, eating habits and physical activity are two important determinants that can be shaped considerably at family, schools and community levels (Blom-Hoffman, 2004). Poor diet habits include excessive intake of calorie and fat intake. Obesity is likely to be caused by even consumption of small portions of calories over an extended period of time. Excessive consumption of fats leads to obesity. However, it cannot be proven that excessive consumption of fats is the major cause of the rising trend in cases of obesity in children. Research findings have shown that there is ascending prevalence of obesity in children in spite of declining rate of consumption of fats in family diets (Ahmad et al., 2010:20). Foods prepared in fast food restaurants have a higher fat and energy contents as compared to food prepared at home. Fast food restaurants are also associated with lower intake of fruits, vegetables and grains and minimal serving of milk. The study showed a positive correlation between fast food restaurant use among adolescents and a high prevalence rate of obesity among them (Kiess, Marcus & Wabitsch, 2004:98). Obesity during childhood is likely to generate into adulthood obesity in future. It is estimated that 80% of overweight adolescents are at a higher risk of becoming overweight adults (Ahmed et al., 2010). According to Plourde (324:2006) 33% under-school age and 50% school-age children remained obese in their adult life. Child hood obesity is associated with many and varied health challenges not only in childhood, but may be carried forward to adulthood later on. They are at risk of suffering from various medical challenges relating to cardiovascular health. Childhood obesity is said to be connected to many deaths resulting from cardiovascular complications like hypertension, dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolemia among others. These are major death causing complications all over the world (Plourde, 324:2006). Fast foods have been known to cause other variety of health conditions. These include, weakened immune systems, destabilized blood sugar levels, retardation of metabolic rates as well as increased levels of bad cholesterol and increased chances of high blood pressure. Physical Inactivity Kids who do not engage in physical activities are likely to be overweight and consequently obesity. The argument underlying this is that if one is not able to break down excess calories in the body they are likely to be stored as excess fats in the body. Moreover this is accompanied by increased cholesterol and poor fitness (Australia Bureau of Statistics, 2009). One of the factors that contribute to physical inactivity is the time spent by kid in front of a TV and playing computer games. Research has proven incidence of obesity is highly prevalent in children who watch TV for longer periods than those who watch it for few hours. The reality is grim in Australia. It is observed that 37% of children which account for 974, 000 children do not engage themselves in organised physical activities in 2006 ( 2006 Children Participation in Culture and Leisure Activity Survey cited in Australia Bureau of Statistics, 2009). The other psychological and social consequences that arise from obesity include discrimination and bullying. Effects of Obesity on Social and Emotional Wellbeing There are various social impacts that a child is subjected to as a result of being obese. The most prevalent and mother to all other social problems to obese people is weight bias. Weight bias can be experienced at two levels. The first level is from age mates and the next is from adults. The weight bias/ stigma is best defined as negative mental perceptions and attitudes directed at overweight people. They are stereotype thinking like obese people are lazy, they smell as result of sweat and that they over eat. These people, who have bias toward obese people then are likely to tease them with negative remarks about their appearance, socially exclude them and bully them. This then makes the obese person have poor self esteem, poor body image, isolation & loneliness, withdrawal and difficulty in making friends (Kuczmarski, Reitz & Pizzi, 2010: 255 & 256). One social stigma arising out of weight bias is teasing and discrimination. The teasing mostly comes as a result of oversize body as compared to ones age mates. In another view this can be called weight bias based on stigmatisation. This might make the child to be socially withdrawn due to low self esteem. The consequences of low self esteem are poor performance in class and development on anti social behaviours. The argument for the above is based on the fact that the kid is likely to be socially isolated thereby not developing various social skills that can enable one to navigate the social world. The worst part of teasing is that it can lead to mental depression; this exposes the child to other opportunistic infections. Moreover, this can have long term effect when the child internalises the same and start feeling inferior. This will affect the child’s productivity up to adulthood since social capital is an important ingredient for survival (Kugel, 2010:17 & 18). Recommendations Eating Healthy Unbeknownst to certain people, people actually have their own choice of which food to consume. Due to laziness and for the sake of convenience, people usually resort to eating unhealthy foods. These foods include fast food, snacks, and ready to eat foods. It is hard to change ones’ lifestyle that he or she is already accustomed. In the book, Food Rules by Michael Pollan, he explains and set certain rules on which people should consume foods. In determining which foods should to eat, Pollan (2009:51) emphasizes about the freedom of choosing what they should eat and choosing quality rather than convenience or quantity in hand. The rule that stands out in the book is the rule no 22 “Eat mostly plants especially their leaves.” Pollan postulates that vegetarians are notably healthier than carnivores, and they live longer” (Pollan, 2009:51). However, there are other methods that can make one healthier rather than converting to vegetarianism. It is essential to pick healthier alternatives to ones diet and live by it. Anthony Bourdain famously described vegetarians and the vegans as persistent irritant to any chef worth a damn. To many, life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace, or even stinky cheese is a life not worth living. In his opinion, vegetarians are the enemy of everything good and decent in the human spirit, and an affront to all. Unhealthy eating habits include eating junk food such as snacks, fast foods, as well as other ready to eat foods. According to Pollan (2009:51), it is significant to give more emphasis to quality rather than quantity and convenience when making the choice on what to eat. Individuals and families should prioritize balanced diet at all meals. Many healthy foods such as cereals, bread, fruits, as well as vegetables are notably cheaper and should be more often included in every meal. These healthy foods are cheaper as compared to junk foods such as pop and chips among others. Therefore, it is quite cheaper and time economical to eat healthy than to choose unhealthy eating habits (British Columbia; Ministry of Health Planning 1). Encouraging Children to Engage in Physical Activities It is recommended that children between the ages of 5-18 should engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity daily (Australia Bureau of Statistics, 2009). To attain the above, schools should provide play grounds and have mandatory minimum period for physical activities. Moreover, some should be tailor made to service those with disabilities and impairments. Local authorities and city councils should also play and aggressive role by advancing areas for physical recreation. The answer to all of the above is to sensitise the public of the dangers associated with obesity. Conclusion From the outlook, obesity is a real concern in Australia. Therefore, the government, community, parents and individuals should engage in concerted effort to curb this health problem. In a nutshell, the health well being of children between the ages of 5-12 is alarming. To overcome this problem, people should embrace ways that help sustain healthy eating habits and engagement in physical activities. The overriding goal is to sensitise the public and put in measures at all health centres which can act as resource centres. References Ahmad, Qazi Iqbal et al. (2010). Childhood Obesity: Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol. 14 issue no.1, pp. 19-25. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2009). Children who are overweight or obese. Retrieved on 19 August, 2012 from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features20Sep+2009 Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing (2010). Overweight and obesity in Australia. Retrieved on 19 August, 2012 from: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/healthyactive/publishing.nsf/Content/overweight- obesity Better Health Channel (2012). Obesity in children-causes. Retrieved on 19 August, 2012 from: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcpdf.nsf/ByPDF/Obesity_in_children/$File/ Obesit y_in_children.pdf. Blom-Hoffman J. (2004). Obesity Prevention in Children: Strategies for Parents and School Personel, Retrieved on 19 August, 2012 from: http://www.nasponline.org/publications/cq/cq333obesity.aspx British Columbia; Ministry of Health Planning. Healthy Eating: Cheap and Easy (n.d). Retrieved on 19 August, 2012 from: http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/library/publications/year/2002/HealthyEatingdoc.pdf. Combating childhood obesity through community practice. OT Practice, 15(15), 17–18. Gill, T. P. et al. (2009). Childhood obesity in Australia remains a widespread health concern that warrants population-wide prevention programmes. MJA, Vol. 190, No. 3, pp. 146-148. Kiess W., Marcus C. & Wabitsch, M. (2004). Obesity in Children and Adolescent, Basel: S. Karger AG. Kuczmarski, M., Reitz, S. M., & Pizzi, M. A. (2010). Weight management and obesity reduction. In M. Scaffa, S. M. Reitz, & M. A. Pizzi (Eds.), Occupational therapy in the promotion of health and wellness (pp. 253–279), Philadelphia: F. A. Davis. Kugel, J. (2010). Plourde, G. (2006) Preventing and managing pediatric obesity: Canadian Family Physician: Vol. 52 pp.322 – 328. Pollan, Michael. Food Rules: An Eater's Manual. New York: Penguin, 2009. Print. World Health Organisation (2012). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved on 19 August, 2012 from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/ Read More