I’d like to start this out by having you all read an interesting article that came across my email.  As many of you know, the population with whom I primarily work is children.  More specifically, I measure their physical activity levels, and the lab where I work is trying to come up with novel ways to encourage more activity.

So go ahead and read this article…

At School, Overweight Children Carry A Heavy Burden

Ok, now I want to know your thoughts.

This is a short (cursing removed) version of how my thought process went-

When are we going to start WAKING up and doing something about this?!  It’s so unfair that children so young are already being setup for lifelong health and self-esteem issues at such a young age.  The worst part is that most of the time, it’s through no fault of their own!  Their WHOLE LIVES are going to be affected by something they had NO CONTROL OVER in the first place!!!

Ok, enough venting.  Now here’s the difficult part.  First of all, I wonder- Who is responsible?  Is it parents?  Fast food restaurants?  Schools?  Teachers, friends, family, society?

More, importantly, whose responsibility is it to change things?  Yours?  Mine?  Parents?  Teachers?  Society?  Do we all have a role to play in getting things to change?  And HOW do we get things to change?  Write letters to local school boards?  Put a tax on junk food?  Practice what we preach?

I am taking a fascinating class right now on diet and physical activity in a social ecological model.  The take home message thus far- our behaviors are influenced not only on an individual level, but are also influenced by social, environmental and policy factors as well.

So, to get change to happen, ALL levels MUST get involved and be structured in a way that is conducive to making healthy behaviors last.  If we’re talking about food in schools, for example, it would look something like this:

First, there is a policy in place that requires school lunch to include fresh fruit and a veggie everyday.  Then, kids vote on which fruits and veggies to offer so they have a say in the decision.  Kids are taught about the importance of healthy eating to fuel their bodies so they can play harder and longer.  Then, teachers reinforce these behaviors through modeling.  Teachers eat healthy foods for snack and lunch.  They are active with the kids during recess, and encourage all kids to get moving.  The school store starts selling healthy options as well.  There is a no soda/energy drink/sweetened beverage policy, allowing only water and milk to be consumed during the school day.  Class parties shift from cupcakes to make your own fruit and yogurt parfait, or away from food completely.  Kids get to have a finger-paint party…or an extra recess.  Again, the shift has to take place on the individual, social, environmental and policy level.

So, now I am curious…What do you think???  How do we go about changing other environments?  How about your workplace?  Your school?  Your home?

Let us know your thoughts via facebook or leave a comment here:)  You can always email us at smartfitchicks@gmail.com.

Signed,

Chrissy- A (VERY FIRED UP) Smart Fit Chick