As a podiatrist, I know all too well that childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being. Education about proper nutrition starts at home and in the schools. “Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors,” from the CDC.I will be heading to Washington DC to speak about supporting 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act reauthorization . Join me in supporting the reauthorization. DON’T GIVE UP ON CHILDREN’S HEALTH. While there have been challenges (that is to be expected), kids are adjusting to the new meals and appropriate portion sizes. Just like when math or science classes get tough we do not abandon them; we reinforce and support them by giving them better tools to achieve a passing grade and not lower the standard.
- Over 30 million children in the US eat school lunch everyday!
- 21.5 million of these children receive free or reduced meals, for many this is the only meal they might receive.
Invest in children. Nutrition is important. Our future is important. They are our future, give them to tools to be healthy and smart.
Long-term health effects:
Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and cognitive deficits.
Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. One study showed that children who became obese as early as age 2 were more likely to be obese as adults.
Immediate health effects:
Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Obese adolescents are more likely to have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes.
Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization, behavioral problems, and poor self-esteem.
Mayor Bill de Blasio is urging Congress to reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act, which
provides federal funding for school breakfast and lunch programs as well as summer
meals, among several other provisions.
Contact Our National Representatives in Florida
Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL): https://www.billnelson.senate.gov/contact-bill
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) : http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact
U.S. House of Representatives (Find Your Representative): http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
Lets get this bill past before 2016, and not lost during the Presidential run.
#chefslead #realschoolfood #saveschoollunch