Peer Response 1

· Read and respond to your classmates, supplying at least one strategy teachers can use to combat unhealthy media messages in the early childhood setting.

PEERS POST:

For years the media has had a huge impact on promoting unhealthy food options to families. Every day you see fast food commercials featuring McDonald’s, Burger King, and other unhealthy choice meals for children. Seldom do you see any healthy eating commercials for children. It is a proven fact that in the United Stated of America we are leading the highest obesity rate in the world. Many children are influenced by social media bloggers and Tik Tok with unhealthy food items. For one example the hot chip challenge that causes throat pain, ulcers, and esophagus pain. I currently work in a junior high setting in the clinic, and see so many children eating unhealthy foods, just snacking as a substitute for real food. Obesity is becoming common reoccurrence in the U.S. I have seen children in elementary schools weighing the same as an adult. 

 Children typically want to fit in with the other kids or look a certain way. Obesity leads to depression and lack of self-image. One of the reasons most families choose to purchase fast food is that it is quick and easy. It serves as an easy convenience meal versus cooking because of the daily routine schedule. Many parents deal with busy lifestyles and want to make mealtimes easy and simple. Certain fast food tends to be comfort food for some children. Typical family meals are not eaten together, and instead in front of TV's and computers. Children find comfort eating in front of a video game or computer. Obesity has been linked to video gaming. Studies have shown that children who consistently play games are likely to eat more and gain weight. 

Unfortunately, children who continue to eat unhealthy food can have long term consequences. Osteoporosis is one of the things that kids develop later on in life as adults. Cardiovascular diseases can also develop at a young age. Many children develop juvenile diabetes and other types of cancer. As a clinic aide who works in a junior high, I hate the feeling of having to administer insulin to kids. Children are diagnosed with diabetes as early as one year old! Depression amongst teens is another highly linked factor to unhealthy eating habits. Michelle Obama a few years ag started a healthy eating campaign for more balanced and nutritional meals in the schools. It consists of vegetables, low fat milk, and whole grains. Hopefully in the future there will be more changes to help phase out unhealthy eating habits in children. I believe in eating healthy at home and giving kids less junk food selection to help them adapt to a healthier eating lifestyle. 

-Keisha Green

                                                                                References:

                        American Academy of Pediatrics (2011) and Prevention Institute (2011)

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2011). Policy statement—children, adolescents, obesity, and the

     media.  Pediatrics,  128(1), 201–208. doi:10.1542/peds.2011-1066