Fat Kids, Who Is at Fault?
The last day of school each child gets his or her fitness gram along with standardized test scores and their last report card. Those with a fitness gram are the students who did not have academic deficiencies in math or reading and opted to take physical education as an elective.
A fitness gram gives the results of the student’s ability to perform a variety of physical drills and also measures their body mass index, or percentage of body fat.
Although not all BMI tests are 100 percent accurate, it should give you a range that indicates you either have too little body fat, are in the normal healthy range or are above normal and considered “at risk.”
As I browsed the results of my home room students, I noticed an alarming trend. Most of the boys were in the healthy range while about 85 percent of the girls were carrying more than 30 percent body fat and were in the danger zone.
Remember, I am not a doctor and do not play one on T.V. However, I am intrigued with the why, the how and what now, of childhood obesity issues. For that reason, I sometimes use my classroom like a research lab and find answers to these burning questions. Here is what I have found.
Firstly, and the most obvious reason children may carry extra fat is because daily recess has been eliminated from the school day. For many children this was the only active part of their day. Recess was not an option! Unless parents structure play time at home, these children become sedentary.
The BMI results of my class reveal that boys are more active than girls and could possibly have faster metabolism. However, the females chose electives like cooking and computer science instead of P.E. In addition, most of the males participate in some type of organized sport while the girls show little interest in prolonged cardiovascular activities.
The bottom line is, although the playground should be at school, it should also be in your back yard, on the recreation field or in the gym. Structured daily activity is essential and is a parental responsibility.
Secondly, snack foods have become a basic food group for youngsters. It is astonishing to watch children receiving free or reduced priced lunches with wads of cash to spend on vending or concession items. Now you have a school that doesn’t offer physical activity, but encourages and profits off the consumption of junk food. Does this sound criminal?
Calling all parents, including those that pay for their child’s lunch; you should be aware of what your child is eating and drinking when you are not around. They can use their lunch account to purchase chips and ice cream. As a result, some children have developed eating disorders too subtle for you to recognize.
I have watched girls stash several candy bars, sour punch straws and hot cheetos in their purse for later. Are you enabling this behavior by giving them extra monies to spend without knowing what it is being spent on?
Lastly, there is nothing more empowering than knowledge. If you suspect your child has a weight problem take him or her to your doctor to be tested. A simple check up and some blood work will give you a wealth of information. Your doctor can provide you with ways to modify your lifestyle so that your family can enjoy a longer and better quality life.
Come on parents; be proactive, arm yourself with knowledge, mandate exercise for your children and be aware of what they are eating. It is your job.
For questions or comments, em ail: suzannemcginnis@me.com