Obesity Action Strategy - Case Study Example

OBESITY ACTION STRATEGY Obesity Action Strategy (Name) (Course) (Institution) (Instructor’s name) Date Introduction Obesity is among the major challenges to wellbeing in the 21st century. More children and adults are becoming obese exposing them to increased risks off contracting diabetes, sleep apnea, heart diseases, high blood pressure, disability, hypertension and high amount of bad cholesterol (Baillie & Hughes, 2007). The report seeks to identify the key issues related to obesity among children in scenario number 3. In addition, the report will develop an effective action strategy which comprises a set of recommendations meant to address the key issues of the scenario and in so doing, help reduce prevalence of obesity among the students. Aim and scope of the report The main purpose of this analytical report is to Develop an action strategy that will help develop a set of recommendations that will target and inform various stakeholders on the role they have to play to counter the obesity epidemic in the school. Highlight a set of recommendations which include those that will involve clients or groups in the implementation of the action plan, those that will involve other health professionals in the implementation of the action plan, those that will involve other members of the client’s extended family and those that will involve the broader community. Create greater engagement and collaboration among the relevant stakeholders by ensuring that each of them is actively involved in the process of alleviating the problem, and accountable to resolving the current key issues identified in scenario number 3, which includes the low socioeconomic status of the children and consumption of unbalanced diets owing to limited financial resources. Positive outcomes of the action strategy upon implementation will depend greatly on the commitment of all stakeholders. Limitations that have been placed on the research The successful implementation of the proposed action strategy is reliant on the commitment of all relevant stakeholders. Failure by the stakeholders who include the clients, health professionals, other members of the client’s extended family and the broader community to remain committed and carry out the assigned responsibilities will result in failure to achieve the anticipated health outcomes. Target Audience The main target audience that the recommendations have been developed for is parents. This is because, parents have the upper hand and responsibility in what their children do in far as the choice of nutrition and activities their children are involved in on a day to day basis, which significantly influences the type of diets consumed by school children. By targeting parents, this will ensure that the action strategy is not only a part time thing that children are engaged in during school hours, but it is a continuous process that is applied when children are in and out of schools. In addition, it will be possible to deal with the key issues identified in scenario number 3. Parents have a very significant role in deciding what their children are exposed to in schools and at home. The ability of the action plan to largely engage parents is a battle half won. Key Issues To effectively and efficiently deal with the effects and occurrence of obesity and obesity related complications experienced by the school children, it is crucial to analyze the underlying key issues and concerns identified in the scenario 3. The key issues include 1. The socioeconomic status of the school children As highlighted in scenario number 3, the children observed by Nicole are children coming from low income families. One would not expect children from low income families to suffer from obesity and obesity related complications, in contrast as noted in the scenario, they do suffer. The prevalence of obesity within low income families whose social economic status is more often than not low, is attributed to the limited healthy options these people has (Mikkelsen & Chehimi, 2007). Thousands of Australians who fall under the low income bracket survive on food desert neighborhoods which have inconvenient accessibility to healthy and affordable choices of food. Low income families within these communities have access to numerous fast food cafes and convenience stores rather than grocery stores, which stock healthy foods that are low quality and when they sell fresh foods, they are highly priced and therefore out of reach of most low income families (Larson, Story & Nelson, 2009). Therefore, it becomes difficult for families within the low socioeconomic class to fully abide by the set nutrition recommendations even when they want to because they cannot afford to, promoting unhealthy food choices. Lack of access and failure to afford healthy food options has the potential to lead to poor nutrition for children and increased rates of obesity among other nutrition related illnesses as indicated by Larson et al. (2009). Low socioeconomic status of low income families generates food insecurity, adding the number of families in the low income bracket who cannot access enough food to ensure sustainable active and healthy lifestyles. Food scarcity and inaccessibility to healthy food options owing to pricing and obesity are connected and they can be perceived as two sides of a coin as discussed by Dinour, Bergen & Yeh (2007). As noted by Heath & Heath (2010), foods that are cheap (affordable to low income families) are those with highest energy density and more often than not, families in low socio economic status may opt to consume high energy density foods, which enhances the likelihood of passive overconsumption and as a result, they gain weight. On the other hand, the affordable fast foods which are high energy density, they have additional elements that are risks factors related with obesity, which are the high amount of calories, once consumed in large quantities over a period of time results in obesity among low income families (Nihiser, Lee, Wechsler, McKenna, Odom, Reinold, Thompson & Grummer-Strawn, 2007). In addition, these unhealthy food options available and affordable to low income families combined with the genetic programming component results in excessive storage of fats in times of plenty in order for the body to prepare for futuristic famines when they occur (Keleher, Parker, Abdulwadud, Francis, Segal, & Dalziel, 2007). 2. Consumption of unbalanced diets The main cause of obesity and obesity related complications among school going children is poor nutrition related to unhealthy food choices. Regardless of the social economic status, food choices play a significant role in determining if a child is or will become obese (Mikkelsen & Chehimi, 2007). For children in high socioeconomic status, they are susceptible to obesity for consuming junk foods which are often pricey. In addition, they are physically inactive owing to the increased screen time and exposure to digital media. For children in low socioeconomic status, they consume unhealthy foods because they cannot access and afford healthy food choices. As highlighted earlier, the obese children highlighted in scenario number 3, they come from low income families and it is highly likely that their families are not accessible to healthy food choices owing to the high prices of healthy foods in supermarkets, which compels the children to consume high energy intensity fast foods that are high in sugars, calories and fats, which contribute to excessive storage of fats, hence, obesity (Mikkelsen & Chehimi, 2007). On the other hand, due to the persistent lack of sufficient food, the bodies of the children have adjusted to converting foods into fats as quickly as possible in readiness for futuristic lack of food when they occur. According to Treuhaft & Karpyn (2010), accessibility to grocery stores is crucial since they offer consumers easy access to numerous choices of fruits and vegetables to choose from. Fruits and vegetables are hard to find for low income families. Foods rich in vegetables and fruits instead of fats and sugars not only generate various health benefits but also, they are linked to reduced prevalence of obesity and reduction in weight gain as discussed by Dong & Lin (2009). It is highly likely that the children and their families are prone to poor eating habits which results in obesity due to lack of nutritional knowledge. Lack of access to resources which enhances nutritional knowledge contributes to the families making poor health choices that increase their risk of being obese as supported by CDCP (2008). School environments play a significant role in the behavior of children and therefore greatly impact on their health and wellbeing. This is because, away from home, children spend on average more than six hours in school learning and more often than not, eating foods within school meals programs and those sold at school canteens as reported by Silva (2007). Poor food choices in school meals promote poor nutrition and the school environment often leads to physical inactivity. These two key issues namely the low socioeconomic status and consumption of unbalanced diets are the main points of concern and cause of obesity for children highlighted in scenario number 3. An effective action strategy is one that sufficiently takes these two key issues into account and develops recommendations based on them. It is important that the set recommendations are not only practical, attainable and measurable, but also realistic, specific and time bound. To deal with obesity among the highlighted students, it will require developing strategies that resolve their inability to access healthy food options. 1. set of recommendations those that will involve clients The set of recommendations that will involve the client (students) includes Making adjustments to the quality of foods the students consume as school meals as supported by Institute of Medicine (2010). This will entail increasing the resources for meals offered in school. Offering balanced diets to the students as supported by Dong & Lin (2009). This will be achieved by employing qualified food service professionals who have the skills and the knowledge in preparing and serving quality school meals which are not only healthy but also those that are appealing to the students Limiting the student’s access to poor healthy foods options (Mikkelsen & Chehimi, 2007). This will be achieved by changing the types of foods accessible to children at the school canteen in order to ensure that children are only accessing healthy foods such as provision of salad bars instead of deep fried snacks Improving the food selection and consumption behavior of students as supported by Institute of Medicine. (2010). This will be achieved by educating children on nutrition especially about the food groups in order to make them aware of the impact of their eating patterns, behavior and choices. Facilitating uptake of healthy foods. This will be achieved by identifying innovative techniques of encouraging students to make healthy food choices where healthy foods are displayed in ways that motivate the students to select them and eat them as highlighted by Just (2008). Improving the uptake of fruits and vegetables (Schumacher, Winch & Park, 2009). This will be achieved by procuring fresh produce from local growers to improve on the variety of fruits and vegetables offered during school meals Increasing the student’s participation in physical exercises (Scully, Morley, Niven, Pratt, Okely, Wakefield, 2010). This will be achieved by increasing time allocated for physical activities and offering alternative means of exercising such as cycling and walking Identification of issues and concerns of the client Recommended set of actions By Whom By When Measurable objectives to be achieved Significant proportion of obese students from low income families (Just, 2008) Limiting the student’s access to poor healthy foods options Increasing the student’s participation in physical exercises School management 3-6months Every school meal contains a balanced diet every student has 45minutes of play every two hours of learning and 2 hours of after school physical exercises (Institute of Medicine, 2010) Inaccessibility of healthy food choices by students (Institute of Medicine, 2010) Making adjustments to the quality of foods the students consume as school meals Limiting the student’s access to poor healthy foods options Improving the uptake of fruits and vegetables (Institute of Medicine, 2010) School management 3-6months Underweight, overweight and obese students should achieve healthy weights(Institute of Medicine, 2010) Consumption of unbalanced foods by students • Offering balanced diets to the students • Facilitating uptake of healthy foods (Just, 2008) School Management 3-6months An increase in the amount of healthy meals selected consumed each day by students (Institute of Medicine, 2010) Key benefits of the proposed action strategy The main benefits of the proposed action strategy is that although the school cannot change the socioeconomic status of the families from which the students come from, they can educate the children together with their families on proper nutrition. More importantly, the action strategy makes it possible for the children to access healthy food options and physical activities at school, which they cannot afford and access while at home (Institute of Medicine, 2010). The recommendations are sustainable and they are easily measurable. Key limitations of the proposed action strategy The key limitations of the proposed action strategy is that it will require the school management to look for and generate additional resources in order to cater for the employment of qualified food service professionals and procurement of fresh produce (Scully et al., 2010). Ways of evaluating the achievement of stated objectives within specified time frame A 50% increase in the number of physical activities students are engaged in within 3-6 months More than 90% decrease in the number of students with BMI scores that indicate they are underweight, overweight or obese within 3-6 months Significant number of students opting for healthy meals offered by the school within 3-6months 2. Set of recommendations those that will involve other health professionals According to Freedman, Wang & Thornton (2009), every weight management program should be based on the recommendations of health professionals. According to Doolen, Alpert & Miller (2009), majority of caregivers and parents do not know when their children are suffering from obesity and when they are simply overweight. In order to keep parents and caregivers aware and salient to possibly grave health issues, it is important To engage the professional services of healthcare personnel (Nihiser et al., 2007). The role of the healthcare personnel will be carrying out BMI measurements of children every three months. When collected, such data can reveal the weight status of children over duration of time in schools, monitor how national health goals are progressing and monitor the impact of nutrition initiatives and programs and physical activities introduced by schools (Freedman et al., 2009; Nihiser et al., 2007). To analyze other obesity-related health factors. In addition to carryout BMI tests and accurately interpreting them, the healthcare personnel can make other health evaluations and tests such as physical activity patterns and behavior, medical history of children, blood pressure, the levels of cholesterol and diets among other assessments (Klein, Sesselberg, Johnson, O’Connor, Cook, Coon, Homer, Krebs & Washington, 2010). This will be important in determining how prone the children are to obesity and obesity related complications. To offer quality healthcare plans for obese students (Barlow, 2007). This will be achieved by the healthcare professionals to offer medical advice and obesity treatment to obese students which entail developing sustainable health plans for obese students and carrying out intensive obesity interventions as supported by Barlow (2007). To offer obesity care education as supported by Klein et al., (2010). This will be achieved by the healthcare personnel helping the school management in educating children and their families on how to safeguard, examine and offer care to chidlren who are overweight and obese Identification of issues and concerns of the client Recommended set of actions By Whom By When Measurable objectives to be achieved Inability to determine overweight and obese children (Institute of Medicine, 2010) engage the professional services of healthcare personnel offer quality healthcare plans for obese students (Just, 2008) healthcare professionals Within one month To increase the number of students who know their BMI Score by 85% -increase the number of obese students with quality healthcare plans to manage by 100% (Institute of Medicine, 2010) Lack of proper care for obese students (Just, 2008) offer obesity care education (Just, 2008) Healthcare personnel Within one month Ensure each obese child is under treatment (Institute of Medicine, 2010) Key benefits of the proposed action strategy Among the key benefits of the action strategy is that all the obese students will receive quality healthcare services to manage their condition as echoed by Doolen et al., (2009). At the same time, children will learn from the healthcare personnel on how to make healthy choices and develop individual-centered health plans for those suffering from obesity (Doolen et al., 2009). Key limitations of the proposed action strategy The main limitation of the action strategy proposed is that the school management will have to generate additional money to pay the healthcare personnel who carry out the health assessments (Klein et al., 2010). Ways of evaluating the achievement of stated objectives within specified time frame The achievement of the stated objectives will be evaluated by more than 85% increase in number of students who know their BMI score within one month 100% Increase in the number of obese students with professionally prepared health plans and who are under treatment based on the physician’s medical records within one month 3. Set of recommendations those that will involve client’s extended family Involving the other members of the student’s extended family will be crucial to preventing obesity for children who have healthy weights and managing the disease for the children who have it (Barlow, 2007). To help the clients, other family members who include the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins shall be incorporated in the action plan in order to help sustain healthy habits of eating for the students. The recommendations are Increasing awareness about obesity among other family members (Keleher et al., 2007). This will be achieved through public awareness campaigns, which will enhance the awareness about obesity and information about nutrition and how to make healthy choices by other family members. Identification of issues and concerns of the client Recommended set of actions By Whom By When Measurable objectives to be achieved Lack of awareness about obesity and minimal nutritional knowledge • Increasing awareness about obesity and nutrition School management in collaboration with media Within three to six months A significant increase in the frequency and number of advertisements about obesity and nutrition Key benefits of the proposed action strategy ­­­­ The benefits of the proposed action strategy are that the focus is not only on the students but also on other members of the family who directly or indirectly influence the choices made by the students in terms of nutrition and engagement in physical activities as supported by Keleher et al. (2007). Key limitations of the proposed action strategy The main limitation is that the success of the action strategy is reliant on the commitment of other members of the student’s extended family in learning about nutrition and obesity-related issues and applying it (Keleher et al., 2007). Ways of evaluating the achievement of stated objectives within specified time frame A considerable increase in the number of healthy food adverts and the frequency in which they are aired on the media and a considerable decrease of adverts promoting unhealthy foods within 3-6months Set of recommendations those that will involve the broader community The broader community has a role to play in making the children accessible to healthy foods and engaging in physical activities. There is a relationship between the built environment and health outcomes, which contributes to obesity as indicated by Zhao & Kaestner (2009). Among the recommendations includes; Creating community awareness (Baillie & Hughes, 2007). This will be achieved by mobilizing the community to take into account the effect of built environment guidelines and policies on wellbeing of people Enhancing space and place to carryout physical activities (Zhao & Kaestner, 2009). This will be achieved by engaging the relevant government agencies in developing a transportation act which promotes physical activities and livability where students have sufficient space and place to cycle, walk and play. Identification of issues and concerns of the client Recommended set of actions By Whom By When Measurable objectives to be achieved Limited space and place to carryout physical activities Creating community awareness Enhancing space and place to carryout physical activities relevant government agencies, the school management and the immediate community Within an year Increase the number of students cycling and walking to school by 50% - increase in the number of playgrounds and parks allocated to children within the community neighborhoods Key benefits of the proposed action strategy The main benefits of the action strategy are that it generates collaboration among key stakeholders and it factors in the impact of built environments on the health of the children. It enhances greater engagement and accountability by all stakeholders (Zhao & Kaestner, 2009) Key limitations of the proposed action strategy The success of the action strategy depends on the commitment of the relevant stakeholders (Baillie & Hughes, 2007). Ways of evaluating the achievement of stated objectives within specified time frame 50% Increase in the number of students who take walks and ride their motorcycles when going to school and back home and an increase in the number of playgrounds and parks allocated within the community neighborhoods within a year. Conclusions The analytical report has identified the key issues related to obesity among children in scenario number 3, which includes low socioeconomic status of the children and consumption of unbalanced diets owing to limited financial resources. The report has analyzed scenario number 3 and after identifying the key issues presented, developed an effective action strategy which comprises a set of recommendations. As highlighted in the report, there are key benefits of recommendations for the client which includes improving the access of healthy food options and physical activities to students and the ability to enlighten the client and their families on the importance of proper nutrition and physical activities. Key limitation of recommendations for the client is the additional resources required to facilitate implementation. Benchmark for success will be 50% increase in the number of physical activities students are engaged in within 3-6 months, more than 90% decrease in the number of students with BMI scores that indicate they are underweight, overweight or obese within 3-6 months and significant number of students opting for healthy meals offered by the school. Key benefits of recommendations for the health professionals are the ability for obese students to acquire quality healthcare plans, and the children will be enlightened on how make healthy choices. Key limitation of recommendations for the health professionals is the additional resources needed to pay the healthcare personnel. Benchmark for success is more than 85% increase in number of students who know their BMI score and 100% Increase in the number of obese students with professionally prepared health plans and who are under treatment based on the physician’s medical records. Key benefits of recommendations for the client’s extended family is the greater engagement created to enhance healthy food choices made by the students and the key limitation of recommendations for the client’s extended family is that success of the action strategy depends on the commitment of the client’s extended family in learning about nutrition and obesity-related issues and applying it. Benchmark for success is a significant increase in the frequency and number of advertisements about obesity and nutrition within 3-6 months. Key benefits of recommendations for the broader community is that it creates greater engagement and accountability by all stakeholders and the key limitation of recommendations for the broader community is that the success of the action strategy depends on the commitment of the relevant stakeholders. Benchmark for success is 50% Increase in the number of students who take walks and ride their motorcycles to and from school and an increase in the number of playgrounds and parks allocated within the community neighborhoods. Recommendations 1) It is recommended that the client will have a well-balanced school meal, engage in physical exercises, achieve healthy weight and select and consume healthy meals within 3-6 months. This is to allow sufficient time to generate required resources and allocate them accordingly. 2) It is recommended that healthcare professionals will help increase the number of students who know their BMI Score by 85% and increase the number of obese students with quality healthcare plans to manage by 100% within one month. This is important in ensuring every student is well informed about their personal health status and are able to care for their health 3) It is recommended that the client’s extended family will be exposed to significant increase in the frequency and number of advertisements about obesity and nutrition. This is to ensure the students are exposed to favorable environment at home. 4) It is recommended that the broader community will help increase the number of students cycling and walking to school by 50% and permit an increase in the number of playgrounds and parks allocated to children within the community neighborhoods within one year. 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