A Proposed Health Promotion Campaign Against Obesity - Assignment Example

A Proposed Health Promotion Campaign Against Obesity Cute, chubby babies and children draw much attention from others. They are so attractive that parents are thrilled when these children get “oohs and ahh’s” from everyone else. However, if parents are not careful in keeping their children’s weight to their normal levels and they keep growing bigger than expected of their age and height then these children are at risk of being obese. Research has yielded findings that obese children have strong tendencies to grow up to be obese adults and many adult diseases spring up from factors of childhood risk factors (Schmidt, 2003). . The factors of the accessibility of junk foods and the trend of “supersizing” meals, not to mention availability of high caloric foods of low nutritional value but are highly appealing to children because of its rich taste are mainly responsible for them getting less physically fit (Buchholz, 2005). Also, the environmental progress of eradicating some parks and natural play grounds for children to build buildings for industry and residences may not benefit the physical health of children due to the fact that they have less access to locations where they can expend their excess physical energy (Frieden, Galvez. & Landrigan, 2003). However, the most common cause of the decrease in physical activity of children is that technology has made it easier to fall into a sedentary life. Children are more than adequately entertained by the multitude of choices on television shows, internet sites, computer games, etc. Nowadays, most children are homebound, engrossed in computer games, watching videos, surfing the web for hours, etc. Children find less need to play outside because there are a lot of available conveniences and entertainment indoors for them. Hence, playing games, running around, climbing trees, bicycling, etc. are slowly becoming activities of the past. Physical exercise for these children is not given much priority anymore. Many parents enrol their children in dance classes, sports, etc. just for them to have physical activity. Obesity in children has been on the rise and one factor is lack of physical activity. Experts agree that the combination of the availability of energy-dense processed foods and lack of physical activity may be the culprit of obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide data that suggest that the number of children attending daily physical education classes declined from 18.3% in 1995 to 12% in 2001. At the same time, they are more sedentary due to television or computer activity. In 2005, the Government Accountability Office (GAO, 2005) worked on a brief on childhood obesity, proving that most experts identified physical activity and the use of best practices as the key to successful health program interventions. They cited school-based and community based strategies to prevent children from being obese. The growing concern for preventing Obesity has caused a lot of public health programs to create activities that develop motor coordination. Apart from this, social skills of children are developed due to the nature of such physical education programs. A concrete evidence is the United States of America’s campaign for a concerted effort among schools, parents, government agencies and various institutions to encourage children to be more physically active, eat more nutritious foods and use of best practices for successful health promotion programs for children (Ruppel, 2002). These are detailed in a paper presented to Congressional requesters in 2005. It provides information on program strategies and elements experts have identified as likely to contribute to success in addressing childhood obesity. Cynthia Bascetta, director of Health Care wrote, “The term “program strategy” refers to the issue to be addressed by the program, such as improving nutrition choices and eating habits or increasing physical activity. Components of the program that can affect its success are referred to as “program elements.” For example, conducting a needs assessment prior to implementation, using best practice or evidence-based programs, and conducting program evaluation are all considered program elements” (GAO, 2005, p.2). Engaging in sports, dance and other exercise programs on a regular basis will definitely be advantageous for children to balance off the highly academic activities they have in school. It builds their muscular strength and endurance and provides great cardiovascular workouts. It also helps children build character as they learn to persist in a skill and to deal with competition and cooperation with others. It helps children to be better-rounded individuals who may soon be equipped with the necessary skills to survive in a tough world. In lieu of this initiative, Victoria schools may follow suit. School leaders should design health promotion campaigns that involve the whole school community, involving families of the students. Parents must be appropriately educated about the benefits of practicing good health habits most especially providing nutritious foods and enough physical exercise for each family member. The diagram attached shows how the planning matrix shall flow from school-wide initiatives down to the classroom curriculum. Specific activities are geared towards Level 1 students (Prep level) and based on Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS). Subject areas as well as developmental domains are integrated to flow smoothly, and activities are meant to catch the interest of the young children they are designed for. The curriculum is differentiated from ordinary initiatives, as they are interactive and strongly involving the participation of families. It provides rich and hands-on experiences that are enjoyable and highly educational for young learners. School wide activities may be the beginning and culminating activities for this health promotion campaign. Newsletters informing parents of the dangers of Obesity and how it can be prevented may be sent out, including an appeal for support in the activities planned. Parents may be asked to be storytellers or resource persons in class. The class will be going on experiential trips to learn beyond the four walls of the classroom. This is apart from the exciting activities they will be doing as a class within the classroom. The usual lessons complemented with storybooks and factual picture books still exist to establish the concepts on the importance of good health. However, the activities will be more active than the passive note-taking, quizzes and exams. A more constructivist approach is used. In a sense, learning is more active, interactive and more effective. A balance of the subject areas and developmental domains is shown in the curriculum web diagram of the implementation of this health promotion initiative. Diagram of the Planning Process: EDP 135 Introduction to Curriculum Assessment 2 Integrated Planning Matrix References Buchholz, T. G. (2005). Fast Food is not the primary source of Obesity. Retrieved November 11, 2009, from http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/OVRC?vrsn=230&slb=SU&locID=wgu&srcht p=basic&c=3&ste=17&tbst=ts_basic&tab=1&txb=obesity&docNum=X301031120 3&fail=0&bConts=79 Frieden R. T. & Galvez P. M. & Landrigan J. P. (2003). Obesity in the 21st Century in “Environmental Health Perspectives”. Volume: 111. Issue: 13. Obesity1, Retrieved from: www.worldfoodprize.org/assets/YouthInstitute/05proceedings/EldoraNewProvide nceHighSchool.pdf Ruppel Shell, E. (2002). The Government should take action to help reduce obesity... Big food has become a big problem: Politicians and Health officials must address pandemic obesity., Retrieved on Nov. 11, 2009 from http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/OVRC?vrsn=230&dcoll=ovrc- vpnts&locID=wgu&frmml=1&c=1&ste=30&docNum=X3010380226 Schmidt, C.W. (2003) “Obesity: A Weighty Issue for Children.” Environmental Health Perspectives. Vol. 111 No. 13 October 2003 United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) (2005) “Childhood Obesity: Most Experts Identified Physical Activity and the Use of Best Practices as Key to Successful Programs” Briefing for Staff of Congressional Requesters, September 8, 2005 Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) (2009) The VELS, Retrieved on November 11, 2009 from http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/ Read More