If I had the means and knowledge to conduct a research studies about any topic in the early childhood field I would focus on childhood obesity and how it affects children health and development. I think this topic is one that should be addressed especially with the growing number of children in the world that battle this issue.I would address how lack of exercise and improper dieting can have life long affects on children emotionally and developmentally. Overweight children, as compared to children with a healthy weight, are
more likely to develop many health problems such as high cholesterol and
high blood pressure, which are associated with heart disease in adults (Marcus, n.d.). According to an article posted on CNN's website, studies have variously found that obese students -- and especially girls
-- tend to have lower test scores than their slimmer peers, are more
likely to be held back a grade, and are less likely to go on to college.
A study on this issue would be very beneficial to children and their families. It would highlight the effect obesity has on children and how not changing the daily routines can affect a child throughout their life. It would give parents suggestions on how to help insure that children have a healthy development through proper diet and exercise. I believe it would motivate parents to make a change and help decease the number of children who suffer with obesity.
References
Gardner, A. (2011). Does obesity affect school performance?. CNN Health. Retrieved from
http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/14/health/obesity-affect-school-performance
Marcus, L. & Baron, A. (n.d.). Childhood Obesity: The Effects on Physical and Mental Health. The Child
Study Center. Retrieved from http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles
/childhood_obesity_effects_physical_mental_health
Great topic! Obesity is a very sensitive topic that needs to be focused on both in the school environment and in the home environment. You stated that children that are obese tend to have lower grades and there is less of a chance that those children go to college. Why do you think that is the case?
ReplyDeleteGreat Post!! Do you feel that exercise can be considered as one of the activities for children that are obese in school? I know that play can be considered an exercise for children. When I was working in the EC field, as a part of our play or exercise we would take the children walking around the college campus to get their exercise
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