ELPS 812 Prof. Aust

Percentage of U.S. Children and Adolescents Who are Obese by Sex, Age, Race and Hispanic Origin, Boys, All Boys, Non- Hispanic white Boys, Non- Hispanic black Boys, Mexican American Girls 1, All Girls 1, Non- Hispanic white Girls 1, Non- Hispanic black Girls 1, Mexican American Source: National Center for Health Statistics

Costa Rica and Childhood Obesity Costa Ricans as a whole rank high in overall quality of life and rank in the top 1/3 in life expectancy. However, childhood obesity is a growing concern According to a 2009 National Health Survey, 21% of Costa Rican children aged 5-12 are overweight and 9% are obese. As late as 2000, less than 15% of children 5-12 were considered overweight. Reasons for growing obesity rates are similar to that of Americans.

Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research Conducted a study on level of physical fitness amongst 7 th grade children. Results were based on Cooper Institute standards 19 percent of Black and Latino children demonstrated a minimum level of fitness 34 percent of Asian children and 32 percent of White children demonstrated a minimum level of fitness.

Health Effects of Childhood Obesity Obesity is a precursor to CVD Hyperglycemia, hypertension, fatty liver etc. Type 2 diabetes Higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes in minority populations Sleep disordered breathing Sleep apnea Asthma Orthopedic problems

Why are Minorities more prone to Obesity? Kaiser Foundation Report African American and Hispanic households on average watch more television, movies and video games than White households Unsafe streets Lack of facilities Fewer supermarkets Cost of healthy food Lack of healthy restaurant options

Solutions Government Initiatives Let’s Move Health Reform Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 National minimum standard for physical education NCLB has resulted in the narrowing of curriculum Resulted in less time devoted to physical education and recess State standardized physical education curriculum

Solutions Cont. Community Resources Educate students about YMCA and other community resources that may be available to them at little cost. Collaborate with classroom teachers- add short activity breaks in the classroom so students can re-focus and re- energize

The Role of Physical Education Physical activity is an integral part of a child’s day Teachers need to relate to every student and find out what the students are interested in Teachers need to expose students to a variety of physical activities that the kids can participate in throughout their entire lives. Focus should be on life-long physical fitness and health in a safe and fun envirionment

Secondary effects of Physical Activity A 2010 Literature Review by the CDC suggests the following: Increased physical activity time lead to increased test scores 5-20 minute physical activity classroom breaks improved student attention span, behavior and achievement test scores Participation in school sponsored sport teams and physical activity clubs had a positive impact on grade point average and graduation rates.

Sources Alvarado, Karla A. "News." Childhood Obesity Epidemic Growing in Costa Rica / / Top Story / Current Edition / Costa Rica Paper, The Tico Times. Tico Times, 9 Sept Web. 01 May "FASTSTATS - Overweight Prevalence." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 10 July "Influence of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture on Childhood Obesity: Implications for Prevention and Treatment." Diabetes Care. Web. 12 July Kumanyika, Shiriki Kinika, and Sonya Grier. "Targeting Interventions for Ethnic Minority and Low-Income Populations." The Future of Children 16.1 (2006): Print. Let's Move! Web. 10 July "Minority Children Have Highest Overweight Rate and Lowest Fitness Rate." Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance 73.2 (2002): Print. Siegal, Donald. "Physical Activity, Obesity, and the Academic Achievement Gap in Minority Children." Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance 79.6 (2008): 12. Print.