In the News - January 2008
Youth at risk from poor nutrition, lack of physical activity
MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Communities across the country are experiencing soaring
rates of high blood pressure levels and diabetes that can lead to kidney
failure, amputation and strokes.
Unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical exercise are the culprits, says
Robbie McKinnon, Pike County agent with the University of Arkansas Cooperative
Extension Service.
"Despite increased awareness and these tragic outcomes, poor eating and
physical inactivity behaviors continue, especially among adolescents," says
McKinnon.
An estimated 17 percent of children age 12-19 are overweight, she
says. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common among children and adolescents.
Nearly one in three adults has high blood pressure, and 17 percent of Americans
have high blood cholesterol.
McKinnon says young people tend to buy chips, sodas, apple pies
and candy bars for lunches and snacks when available. They prefer fast foods at
lunch rather than lunch from school cafeterias or at their own homes. They
don't eat many fruits and vegetables.
When they're home they watch an average about five hours of television daily.
"They don't participate in regular physical activity outside of organized
sports," she says. "They realize that good health is important, but they
don't think it's important for them."
When you consider the number of unhealthy diet and physical
inactivity images and messages, it's no surprise that these unsound behaviors
and attitudes are so prevalent, McKinnon says. There are about 170,000
fast-food outlets nationwide.
Soda manufacturers spend billions of dollars on clever
advertising and marketing campaigns to ensure brand loyalty. Technological
breakthroughs such as cordless phones, remote control devices, video games, and
the Internet have made life more sedentary and less active for youths and
adults.
"It's up to adults to influence the nutrition and physical activity attitudes
and behavior of our young people," McKinnon says.
Rather than making an issue of youngsters being overweight, adults should
suggest positive activities and food choices. Teach skills that can help them
improve their nutrition and physical activity choices.
Skills can be learning to read food labels and analyzing foods for
nutritional content. Ask a youngster to help you understand the food labels.
When they help you, they help themselves. When a birthday comes and you're
thinking about the gift to buy, purchase a fitness club membership, golf clubs
or tennis rackets.
"You must model and promote healthful eating," McKinnon says. "Offer
healthful meals and snacks and ask them to take a walk with you. You can
make a difference."
For more information about health and nutrition, see your county
extension agent or visit
www.uaex.edu and select Health and Nutrition. The Cooperative Extension
Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
January 25, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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