NR 305: WEEK 6 PROJECT (CHILDHOOD OBESITY)

NR 305: WEEK 6 PROJECT (CHILDHOOD OBESITY) Childhood Obesity Debbie Morgan Chamberlain University   ` Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic within the United States, the ramifications of which can be felt in long-term pressures on the healthcare system. It is a result of a number of factors, including unhealthy food choices, lack of education, sedentary lifestyle. It is estimated that one out of five children in America are obese (Obesity Society, 2017). For children dealing with obesity, the future will be a challenge: as they age, obesity can impair their physical, psychological, emotional and social well-being. As well, the consequences of obesity are far-reaching, negatively affecting not only children, but parents, schools, communities and healthcare systems. Parents and caregivers are the No. 1 line of defense in the battle against childhood obesity. It is their role, through education, to make healthy food choices for their children and themselves. And it is as role models that they make activity and exercise an integral part of their lifestyle to promote the well-being of their children Should parents take charge of their child’s well-being? Are parents influencing their child’s obesity problem? Parents are their child’s first teacher and are pivotal in the role of helping to prevent childhood obesity. As a parent, you should take charge of your child’s well-being. Did you ever think you could be influencing your child’s obesity problem? You are your child’s first teacher. You should remain as the best teacher throughout their life in the role of preventing childhood obesity. Children often eat what is available; therefore, obese parent’s food preferences, poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles are contributing factors to the problem. As a current nurse and grandmother to three grandchildren, I try to influence my grandchildren and my daughters,