Childhood Obesity

Altering TV Viewing Practices to Reduce Childhood Obesity : 

Altering TV Viewing Practices to Reduce Childhood Obesity Terry E. Harvey, RN Graduate Studies Graceland University at Independence Created by C. Pitrolo

Prevalence of Childhood Obesity : 

Prevalence of Childhood Obesity Childhood Obesity is an Increasing Problem. Obesity in children and adolescents was relatively stable from the 1960’s to 1980. From NHANES II (1976-80) to NHANES III (1988-1994), the prevalence of obesity nearly doubled among children and adolescents. In the time interval between NHANES II and NHANES III, obesity for children aged 6-11 increased from 7% to 11%, and among adolescents aged 12-19 years, increased from 5% to 11%. NHANES 1999-2002 obesity estimates show the likelihood of another generation of overweight adults who are at risk for obesity related health conditions.

Prevalence of Childhood Obesity : 

Prevalence of Childhood Obesity Obese children are twice as likely to become obese adults as compared to non-obese children.

Health Risks of Childhood Obesity : 

Health Risks of Childhood Obesity Childhood Obesity is associated with several health risks: Early NIDDM (type II diabetes) Increased incidence of asthma Hypertension Orthopedic complications Psychological effects including depression, poor self-esteem, and eating disorders Gallbladder disease Sleep apnea

Risk Factors for Childhood Obesity : 

Risk Factors for Childhood Obesity Risk factors are composed of genetic, environmental, and social issues: Genetic predisposition Increased use of technology - TVs, videos, computers, etc. Food advertising Increased availability of fast food Decreased physical activity Decreased physical education requirements Lack of safe recreational areas Few athletic opportunities for overweight children and adolescents Availability of transportation

Goals of Healthy People 2010 : 

Goals of Healthy People 2010 Healthy People 2010 challenges individuals, communities, and professionals to take specific steps to ensure that good health, as well as long life, are enjoyed by all. Promote healthy behaviors Protect health Assure access to quality health care Strengthen community prevention

American Academy of Pediatrics : 

American Academy of Pediatrics The AAP recommendations: No more than 2 hours per day of educational, nonviolent programs, movies, and video and computer games. Remove TVs from children’s bedrooms. Children should not watch TV while doing homework. Parents should watch TV with their children. Help children find options to watching TV. Be good role models and limit their own TV viewing times. Families should plan TV viewing and then turn the TV off.

Other Ill Effects of TV Viewing : 

Other Ill Effects of TV Viewing Current TV Viewing Statistics and Violence: The average child watches 28 hours of TV per week (4 hours per day). Views 8,000 murders and 100,000 other violent acts in the media before finishing elementary school. Witnesses an average of 20 violent acts per hour on “children’s television” including cartoons. Views 5 acts of violence per hour on Prime Time. These statistics correlate with desensitization to the pain and suffering of others and aggressive behavior. Increased TV viewing is associated with attention deficit disorders and increased smoking risk.

What Can Parents Do? : 

What Can Parents Do? Improve Family Ties: Limit the number of TV hours to 2 per day. Turn off the TV during meal time. Limit your child’s viewing choices. Watch TV with your children. Talk about the content of the shows together. Have viewing rules, like no TV unless homework is finished and the chores are done. Don’t use TV privileges as punishment or reward.

What Can Parents Do? : 

What Can Parents Do? Improve Eating Habits During Viewing: Drink more water and less sodas. If sodas are a must, make them sugar-free. Eat healthier snacks like fruits and veggies. Decrease consumption of salty, high cholesterol snacks like chips and pretzels. Increase consumption of salt-free popcorn- Remember: lots of fiber! Decrease consumption of sweets- pies, cakes, cookies, and candies.

What Can Parents Do? : 

What Can Parents Do? Replace TV viewing with other activities. Go for walks. Go to the gym. Go to the playground. Ride bikes. Play music. Read books. Play games.

References : 

References AAP. (2004). Attention deficit disorder and television viewing. [Electronic version]. Retrieved, December 12, 2004, from http://www.savealittlelife.com/safetycorner/28-ADD-tv.htm. American Obesity Association. (2002). AOA fact sheets. [Electronic version]. Retrieved, December 12, 2004, from http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/obesity_youth.shtml. Berman, J. (2003). Entertainment: Television and your child. The Los Angeles Family. [Electronic version]. Retrieved, November 25, 2004, from http://www.lafamily.com/display_article.php?id=627.

References : 

References CIPB. (2003). How much do you know about TV? [Electronic version]. Retrieved, December 12, 2004, from http://ciponline.org/quiz-answers2.htm. Healthy People 2010 Homepage. [Electronic version]. Retrieved, December 12, 2004, from http://www.healthypeople.gov. NCHS. (2004). Prevalence of overweight among children and adolescents. United States 1999-2002.[Electronic version]. Retrieved, December 12, 2004, from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/overweight99.htm.

References : 

References Svenson, E. (2002). Save a little life. [Electronic version]. Retrieved, December 12, 2004, from http://www.nwasianweekly.com/editorial/tv.23.35.htm.

Altering TV Viewing Practices to Reduce Childhood Obesity : 

Altering TV Viewing Practices to Reduce Childhood Obesity Terry E. Harvey, RN Graduate Studies Graceland University at Independence