...Running head: AMERICA'S AFFLUENCE AND OBESITY America's Affluence and Obesity Cassandra L Thomas American Intercontinental University Abstract The problem of obesity in America has risen to epidemic levels. Congress in 2002 charged the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to find ways to prevent this epidemic. The IOM appointed nineteen experts to handle this issue, experts in health, obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and public health. It has been determined that it is not just up to Congress but also the individual. ("Preventing Childhood Obesity:" 2005). This paper will take a look at how the affluence of America plays a part in this epidemic. (I.O.M 2004). America's Affluence and Obesity America’s Affluence and Obesity Since the beginning of America, folks have lived off the land. Vegetables, fruits were grown on lands free from pesticides and fertilizers. Animals used for food were allowed to eat what the land offered. People grew vegetable gardens, and traded with each other. They made their own preserves, from fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh foods were in great abundance and there was very little waste. Then there came an educated generation that had no use or respect for the land. New Generation This new educated generation, felt they were much too educated to work the land, they went after the dollar, it became all about making money. Money to buy bigger houses, bigger cars, lusting the glamour, and glitter of Hollywood. The world became aware...
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...Proposal and Outline Research Proposal - Topic: Eradicating obesity in America. Research Question: What are the solutions to eradicating obesity in America, and who is to blame for this epidemic? Working Thesis: In order to combat the obesity epidemic, government needs to revise farm policies to favor production of healthier foods in abundance, and individual families need to re-establish the connection of the environment to the soil and food supply Research Plan - For research, I will be using the DeVry Library database - EBSCO host search. (http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.devry.edu/Community.aspx?custid=ns123107&authtype=ip&encid=22D731163C4635073776358632253E32385321E33513370331533583&ugt=62E771363C1635273736351632053E7228E361D36513679361E325E338133503&IsAdminMobile=N) I have used information from the following websites in my Position paper Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html Food without Thought: How U.S. Farm Policy Contributes to Obesity available at iatp.org http://www.nffc.net/Learn/Fact%20Sheets/Obesity%20and%20Ag.pdf A Natural Solution to the Obesity Epidemic http://primaldocs.com/opinion/a-natural-solution-to-the-obesity-epidemic/ Other research sources will be added as the work progresses. Research outline 1. The introduction will explain the epidemic state of Obesity in America discussing the statistics of obesity among children, teenagers, and adults. I will further explain the...
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...Health is defined based on three dimensions: physical, mental and social health; a fairly recent modification from the 18th century viewpoints (Ware,1987). Health is perceived differently according to the different models of health that help in guiding and understanding of health and health issues. In relation to the following essay, two models; biomedical model and social model will be discussed and compared in terms of their relevancy in the modern times. The second half of the essay will focus on the effectiveness of the social model in explaining the increasing prevalence of health conditions related to the obesity epidemic. During the early part of the 20th century, infectious diseases predominated as the highest cause of mortality in both developing and non-developing counties affecting 42% of the world’s population (Tulchinsky and Varavikova,2000; Boutayeb and Boutayeb,2005). This is the era that was heavily reliant on the biomedical model to diagnose illness which focused primarily on the proximal causes of disease (factors that act directly to cause a disease) and was confined to the objective measures for disease treatment (diagnosis solely based on medical facts without considering other possibilities)(Johnson,2012). Since the leading causes of death at those times were infections based i.e. pneumonia (11.8%), T.B. (11.3%) and diarrhoea (8.3%) (National Office of Vital Statistics,1947), the biomedical model’s germ theory which stated that all diseases were caused...
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...Pregnancy: The Fight to Survive Sociology Research Paper Tri-County Technical College November 24, 2014 ABSTRACT Objectives: To research the causes of death during childbirth and infancy in nations around the world. To examine related health concerns of birth rate, death rate, birth defects, and how access to medical care in different nations contribute to the birth and survival of the fetus. Reviewing statistics of birth rates in all income nations and the overall affect on the population. Applying the Social Conflict theory as it relates to views on pregnancy. Explore different ideas on how to change declining birth rates and promote better health care for all nations. Key Words: Pregnancy, birth rates, death rates , birth defects,social conflict, health care associated with pregnancy. INTRODUCTION In December of 2013, The World Health Organization (WHO) conveyed a consultation on improving the measurement of quality of maternal, newborn, and child care in health facilities. This annual report proposed 19 core indicators for reporting on the quality of MNHC care in nations around the globe. While some key interventions have increased over the past decade, little progress has been made in the quality of care in some health care facilities around the world. The amount of health care coverage provided to mothers, newborns, and children in low income nations is very minimal compared to high income nations particularly in the United States where health care and...
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...Childhood Obesity “Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. Children with childhood obesity face many health problems like type two diabetes, high blood, pressure and are at risk for many types of cancers. The lack of children’s physical activity today is one of the major factors that lead to obesity as well as eating unhealthy diets, the increased food portions and the lack of information about healthy choices. Dr. Anand, the Executive Director for the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, describes the prevalence of obesity as being “at epidemic proportions” (Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion, 2008, pg. 2). This statement was made in 1998. Since then, the rates of obesity have continued to rise dramatically and if we don’t do anything to stop it these numbers will keep rising. Many people think that dealing with obesity is only the parent’s responsibility, but what we need to realize is that it is not only the parents responsibility, fighting this epidemic has also become the responsibility of our schools and communities. Obesity education needs to be in our homes, schools and our communities to raise awareness of the causes, as well as the risks. We need to take action in helping reduce this health problem which is affecting more and more children each day. Parents and children need to know how to eat a healthier diet and understand how exercise can...
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...Nicole Andrews P.Killough English 114 15 March 2014 What factors can lead to obesity? Obesity has become an epidemic battle that experts are still trying to understand. What causes obesity? Various combinations can cause this problem. This epidemic affects half the population. To help end an epidemic battle with obesity we need to find out its leading factors. So many factors lead to obesity it can be a complex combination of lifestyle choices. Many people now a days aren't physically active spending hours in front of their television or computer spending most of the day doing work, school work, or leisure actives. From my own experience I spend about 2 or more hours in front of the television or computer. People who are inactive gain weight due to the fact that they do not burn the calories that they take in from eating and drink. Inactive lifestyle raises other health risk such as heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and many other health problems. “Other reasons for not being active include: relying on cars instead of walking, fewer physical demands at work or at home because of modern technology and conveniences, and lack of physical education classes in schools(NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). “Our environment doesn't support healthy lifestyle habits; in fact, it encourages obesity” (NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). Most people don’t have time for physical actives with working long hours and or attending...
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...AP Photo/LisA BiLLings Confronting America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic How the Health Care Reform Law Will Help Prevent and Reduce Obesity Ellen-Marie Whelan, Lesley Russell, and Sonia Sekhar May 2010 w w w.americanprogress.org Confronting America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic How the Health Care Reform Law Will Help Prevent and Reduce Obesity Ellen-Marie Whelan, Lesley Russell, and Sonia Sekhar May 2010 Contents 1 Fast Facts on Childhood Obesity 3 Introduction and summary 6 Provisions included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that address childhood obesity 6 Childhood Obesity Demonstration Project 7 Nutrition labeling 7 Community Transformation Grants 9 Broader measures in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to tackle childhood obesity 9 Prevention and public health 15 Primary care and coordination 18 Community-based Care 20 Maternal and child health 22 Research: Doing what works in obesity prevention 23 Data provisions that will help with tracking and providing improved outcomes to measure obesity prevention 25 What else is needed? 27 Beyond health care 29 Conclusion 30 Appendix: The White House Childhood Obesity Initiative 32 Endnotes 34 About the authors Fast Facts on Childhood Obesity Our nation’s children today are on track to have a lower life expectancy than their parents The obesity epidemic poses serious health problems for children including cardiovascular disease,...
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...Nurses Addressing the Obesity Epidemic Joanne Bertrand The Center for Allied Health Nursing Education Abstract The prevalence of obesity is increasing in the United States and globally. Obesity has been linked as a precursor to many diseases and conditions. It has been recognized as a risk factor to many chronic diseases and premature death. Children, especially ethnic minorities and low income populations are more at risk for obesity and its co-morbidities. Some contributors to obesity are physical and social environments that promote foods high in fat and calories. Coincidently, promote environments with little or no physical activities. Even with these environments that contribute to bad nutrition and sedentary lifestyles, society still view obesity is as a personal responsibility. Nurses addressing the obesity epidemic require a shift from the norm of blaming individuals for the lack of will power to control their eating and physical activity but toward a healthy environment as a primary determinant. This paper addresses the obesity crisis from individual, family, local community and public policy perspectives and the nurses’ role to promote change, advocate for policy initiatives, and help reverse the obesity epidemic. This paper also addresses the nurse’s role in anticipating obesity related issues, such as, skin, pulmonary, intravenous access, and mobility. Challenges are considered and interventions to address these issues are presented. Nurses Addressing...
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... Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious health issue with many health and social consequences which many remains with them into adulthood. It is important to implement prevention programs as well as getting a better understanding for children to help control the obesity epidemic. To better respond to this issues and those similar to it, Healthy People 2020 has been promoting healthy choices that parent can make to help lower the risks of obesity in the children. There are many agencies that are responsible for addressing and managing the affect of obesity in children. The Department of transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency are working together to help promote walking and biking to school as a way to increase the level of exercise for children. Also the United State’s Department of Agriculture or USDA is also working towards providing new Dietary Guidelines and Food Pyramid as well as helping with legislation to improve school food. The Role of Health Agencies Physical activity is one of many indicators of health defined in the most current version of Healthy People. One of the main results of lack of activities is obesity mainly in children. Obesity in children is a health issue that most health care providers that serve the pediatric community have to deal with and are looking for possible solutions. It is very important for health care agencies to promote health lifestyles and in this case exercise, and healthy eating habit. Obesity in children...
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...2011 Childhood obesity has become one of the most predominant health problems facing our nation today. Its prevalence in the United States is such that it is considered an epidemic that has a powerful, adverse impact on the well-being of our society. Childhood obesity affects all aspects of a child’s life; most significantly by contributing to poor health and negative social perceptions by society. Extensive research of this issue has identified numerous causal and risk factors associated with obesity. Given the multifaceted nature of the problem, and its severe implications for the future health and well-being of affected children, I believe that the most effective solutions will be achieved through programs that focus on prevention efforts. This thesis begins with a definition of the obesity epidemic, followed by a discussion of research into the multiple causal factors associated with childhood obesity. Particular emphasis is placed on prevention and intervention programs in the school environment, as many of the efforts to address childhood obesity have been school-based. This thesis also concludes the causes of obesity, environmental factors, biological, genetic, and dietary behaviors, the cost of obesity, and so much more. Recent studies and surveys provide clear evidence that children and adolescents are becoming overweight and, more significantly, obese at increasingly younger ages. Statistical evidence demonstrates that obesity has become a true epidemic that needs to...
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...Obesity and Children Kimberly Jordan English Comp 122 Hope Phillips Umansky February 21, 2011 Childhood obesity has been on the rise by 20% in children ages 6 to 11 and that number is triple for children under the age of six. This is posing a serious issue with many health and social consequences that may often continue into adulthood. Research on childhood on obesity is showing that family eating patterns are a crucial factor and environmental and lifestyle are all contributing factors. The responsibility for this national epidemic is the question. Who is responsible for these children’s lifestyle and eating habits which all play an important part in childhood obesity? The first question to answer is what is childhood obesity? According to the Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic, Childhood Obesity 2010), “childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height. Generally consumption of foods high in sugar and fats lead to obesity.” According to research, we all have and need fat tissue in our bodies. (UM, 2010) When there is too much body fat, the result is obesity (Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers, 2007, Saunders). There are many factors that contribute to causing obesity including: physical activity, lifestyle, eating habits, environment, family and genetic inheritance (Mayo clinic, childhood Obesity...
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...Epidemiology Study: Teen Obesity N J Nur 408 January 9, 2012 Felita Patterson, MPH, RN Epidemiology Study: Teen Obesity Teenage obesity is on the rise this country. In the last couple of decades, the world has changed in a startling and dramatic way. Computers, computer games, the Internet, and extended free time have pushed the numbers of teenage obesity to an alarming figure (Teen obesity, 2011). While there’s no one cause of obesity; the factors that can make someone obese are a variety of genetic, biological, behavioral, and cultural factors (AACAP, 2011). As the official website of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry explains, childhood obesity is often related to bad eating habits, overeating or binging, no exercise, family history, medical issues, stress or extreme life changes, family issues, low self-esteem, or depression (2011). Although a few extra pounds are not dangerous for most people; obesity is a serious health issue as it puts a definite strain on the human body. It can cause issues like an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breathing problems, trouble sleeping (AACAP, 2011). In fact, “Teenagers who have a weight problems now—that continues to increase or stay the same in terms of their weight—will likely have a much higher risk of premature death” (Gay, 2006)(p. 26). This clearly shows the tremendous and serious threat that obesity poses for teenagers. Demographical Data Every individual has an ideal...
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... U.S. Department of Health and Human Service FROM: Tiffany Hunter, Health Services Administrator, Intern SUBJECT: Childhood Obesity in America DATE: October 30, 2015 Childhood obesity is a driving force in the deterioration of health in adulthood. For the first time, the next generation of Americans conceivably will be the the first to have shorter, more disease prone, and less healthy lives than their parents. Obesity in America’s children has tripled since 1980, and current research suggests that one-third of children aged two and older are already overweight or obese. (Russell, Sekhar, & Whelan, 2010) Being overweight was at one time considered something that a child would outgrow. However, that is no longer the case. In the twentieth century, through medical research, it was revealed that children who suffered from obesity were susceptible to a lifetime of various health concerns. A child who carries superfluous weight is at risk for illnesses ranging from asthma to cardiovascular disease. In short, childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Childhood obesity is intricate in its complexity because it has multiple influences, including: biological, behavioral, societal, economic, and environmental, which together have shaped an atmosphere in which it has become difficult to sustain a healthy body weight. These environments are categorized by: * The influx in the number of American families having two parents working outside of the home, which leaves...
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...ever before…” (Moore, CDCTV, 2010). This quote aptly encapsulates the area of my interest – obesity. In my research paper I will discuss some of the causes of obesity, its effects and the health concerns related to obesity and finally offer suggestions as to how obesity can be treated or prevented. Obesity can be defined as “having excess body fat” whereas being overweight is defined as “having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of these factors” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). Obesity is the result of eating too many calories without sufficient physical exercise to offset the intake. Children today are exposed to many deterrents to eating healthy foods. Factors in the environment home, school, social circles, neighborhood and community all contribute, in different ways, to eating unhealthy, often more affordable, supersized foods. It is difficult for children to make healthy choices and be physically active when exposed to many unhealthy options which are easily available to them. Although overeating and lack of activity are the major factors causing obesity, genetics also plays an important role in obesity. In this paper, I will discuss some of these factors including environmental and socioeconomic conditions that affect obesity. In addition, the consequences of obesity and some actions to combat obesity will be discussed. Overview and history The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the...
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...Food And Obesity L. Dominique DeVry University Food and Obesity Obesity has become a serious issue in The United States. According to two surveys conducted by the Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS, for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and cited by the Weight –Control Information Network (WIN), obesity affects one-third (35.7 percent) of adults and 18.2 percent of youth between the ages of 6 and 19. About 18.6 percent of boys and 15 percent of girls are considered to be obese. About 49.5 percent of African-Americans, 39 percent Hispanics and 34.3 percent of Caucasians are considered to be obese. Obesity is defined as an excess amount of body fat and is the consequence of an energy imbalance. The human body needs food to create energy necessary for basic life functions. However, when the amount of calories ingested is greater than the amount of calories burned, that leads to weight gain and subsequently to obesity. Obesity is generally linked to overconsumption of food and more specifically, fast food. Michael Pollan, in his book “the omnivore’s dilemma”, states: “when food is abundant and cheap, people will eat more and get fat”. He blames the obesity epidemic in the United States on the excess eating of food as a result of it being accessible and inexpensive. His statement is accurate; people tend to buy more of an item when it is cheap and the same goes for food and drink. And, because most cheap...
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