Childhood Obesity



Childhood Obesity

Introduction

This paper will discuss the function of a community health nurse by implementing and evaluating a 6-week public health program in a community setting. This paper will be based on the use of knowledge base of community health nursing and related sciences to promote and protect the health of a population. The main reason for choosing this intervention is that obesity is a major public health issue that is not confined to adults. Children are more overweight and obese than in the past and the health implications are of concern from an individual and population perspective (Jones, McVie, Noble, 2008).

Recent reports that the level of overweight and obesity in children has not increased between 2007 and 2012 is positive, however the fact remains that one quarter of Australian children are overweight and 8% are obese (Hesketh &Campbell, 2010). Even more alarming is 63% of adults are overweight or obese, thus normalising a serious health issue. New Zealand has a similar problem with 8.3% of children ages two to 14 obese and 20.9% of children overweight. Early intervention is seen as holding some promise in the prevention of obesity (Hughes & Reilly, 2008). Research into effective intervention for the early prevention of obesity is being undertaken in Australia and New Zealand and could inform nursing practice in early life care.

Goal of the Project

The project is based on a six week plan which will help in promoting the problems which can take place as a result of childhood obesity and how this problem can be reduced. There are many factors which as a result if which the problem of obesity has increased. Therefore, it is necessary that measures should be taken in order to minimize this problem as it is increasing at a high rate.

This project will be helpful in educating the community that obesity is significantly increasing as a result of which health risks and chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, Diabetes - especially Type II Diabetes is rapidly increasing among teens. Furthermore, hypertension, cancer, Arthritis, and many other diseases also affecting young students as a result of which they have to face many problems. Below mentioned goals will help in nursing and educating the students about the danger of obesity and how it can be intervened if properly implemented.

Goal 1: Physical activity

The main goal of the project is to engage students about the importance of physical activity. Sustained lifestyle changes in diet and exercise are the cornerstones of obesity management. A successful weight management programme offers strategies for decreasing caloric intake and increasing physical activity (Hesketh &Campbell, 2010). Minor changes in food intake and physical activity can have sizeable effects on body weight and obesity (Askie, 2010). Changes in physical activity and diet should be promoted with emphasis on healthy changes. It is important that restrictive diets and over-exercising are not encouraged as they may result in the development of eating disorders and have the potential to be harmful for adolescents and young ...