Anorexia Nervosa

By: Candice Willingham RN

In today’s society, there seems to be a desperate need to be skinny or to look like the girls on television. Eating disorders have become quite common due to this need. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that compels women to starve themselves in order to lose weight. These women may have an unrealistic body perception and a major fear of becoming fat. Nearly 4% of women now suffer from anorexia (Clark, 2009, p432). The disease typically develops near or during puberty. Anorexia is characterized by excessive dieting, a marked loss of body weight, purging, excessive exercise, and amenorrhea. According to Clark (2008), Anorexia results in mortality rates nearly 12 times higher than the annual death rate for all other causes among women 15-24 years of age.

Primary prevention should be aimed at teaching parents and young girls what the appropriate body size is for their age, promoting proper exercise, giving examples of a healthy diet, promoting adequate rest, explaining the harms of smoking and drinking, helping young girls to develop a strong self image and build self esteem.
Secondary prevention would be promoting annual physicals and pap smears. This will help health care providers notice sudden loss of weight and be able to intervene accordingly. The amount of weight loss determines how aggressive the treatment should be (Harvard, 2009). Women's health care providers are able to assess normal menstrual cycles and explain normal outcomes.
Tertiary prevention would come by helping the female and her family get their lives back together after battling an issue like this. Proper counseling is very important. The counselor can help the patient and the families develop a plan to prevent a relapse.

Clark, Mary Jo. (2008). Community Health Nursing: Advocacy for Population Health (5th Ed.). New Jersey: Pearson
Harvard Mental Health Letter. (2009). Treating Anorexia Nervosa: A Multidisciplinary approach is best, but relapses are common. Harvard Mental Health Letter. 26(2), 1-4.

Note: This blog post reflects the work of Candace Williamson RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Addressing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children

By: Stephanie Johnson

Does your child have trouble paying attention at home or school? Does he or she exhibit impulsive behaviors? He or she may have a disorder known as Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) formerly known as ADD. ADHD is a chronic condition that affects adults and approximately 5-8% of school age children (NRC, 2009).
Signs and symptoms include excessive talking, difficulty paying attention, losing things, easily distracted, running about or climbing excessively, blurting out answers before question completed, and difficulty remaining seated (NRC, 2009). Children with ADHD tend to perform poorly in school or may be perceived as a nuisance or abnormal.
Primary interventions are focused on educating the public especially caregivers, educators, and families about the disease eliminating the “bad child” stigma that is attached to the condition. Early recognition and diagnosis with parents’ awareness of social disruptions, poor performance in school, and depression may prevent drop out and strained relationships early.
Secondary interventions are aimed at coping with and treating the disorder. ADHD workshops at behavioral health centers offer help with peer adjustment, behavior difficulties, and social and family relationships. Continued parent/child education, behavior management techniques, and stimulant medications are elements of the comprehensive treatment plan (NRC, 2009). The most common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are Concerta, Adderall and Ritalin. These medications are effective in lessening symptoms and dose adjustments may be necessary.
Tertiary interventions include emotional support for parents, caregivers. The diagnosis of ADHD causes some parents to have feelings of guilt or shame (Clark, 2008).ADHD is chronic and 1/3 of people outgrow the symptoms (NRC). Working with a mental health practitioner, community nurse, ongoing education and support groups aid in maximizing full mental health abilities while attaining a healthy level of well being.

References
National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC).Retrieved from http://www.help4adhd.org/en/about/what.
Clark, M.J. (2008). Community Health Nursing: Adovcacy for Population Health.(5th ed.) Upper Saddler River, New Jersey:Prentice Hall

Note: This blog post reflects the work of Stephanie Johnson RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Lead Poisoning

By Krystle Banzuela RN

Lead is both one of mankind’s most useful metals and an environmental health hazard to children 6 years and younger. Lead can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin ("Lead in industry," n.d.). Young children are highly susceptible to lead exposure because their nervous systems are not fully developed (Clark, 2008), and because they put everything in their mouth. Lead is in paint, dust, drinking water, and dirt.

Lead poisoning is defined as too much lead in the body that is seen as elevated lead blood level of > 10 mcg/dL (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2009). There is no safe level of lead in the body. At low levels, there are no obvious signs and symptoms of lead poisoning, but it can cause developmental delays, learning problems, and lower attention span. Moderate and high levels can lead to constipation, abdominal pain, poor appetite, anemia, poor appetite, vomiting, irritability, or lethargy. Damage is permanent and non-reversible, however, referral to a child development or speech-language specialist may improve mental abilities.

Below are the suggested lead poisoning prevention activities at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, as provided by the Illinois Lead Program (Fokum, Simpson, & Churchill, 2009, p. 26):

Primary Prevention
• Avoid exposure to lead
• Identify sources of lead poisoning like houses with lead based paint
• Focus on high-risk indicators
• Fix highest risk housing
• Evaluate and control hazards
• Educate

Secondary Prevention
• Early detection and intervention prevents progression and emergence of lead poisoning symptoms
• Increase testing rates
• Intervene to reduce risk of long-term damage
• Encourage home visits by public health nurse for case management
• Initiate environmental inspections for lead poisoned cases

Tertiary Prevention
• Damage caused by lead poisoning is irreversible
• Chelate or use chemical compounds that bind to lead to remove toxic metal from the body
• Aim at improving quality of life of lead poisoned children through education
• Eat foods rich in iron and calcium

Lead poisoning has been steadily declining since 1997 from 18.7 % of children in Illinois to 1.7% in 2008 (Fokum, Simpson, & Churchill, 2009), a more than 50% decrease! While this is good news, we should try to get all the lead out and provide a hazard free physical environment for our children. They are the future, and it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment in which they can grow to their fullest potential.

Check out this Get Lead Out Brochures about intervention, prevention, and renovation:
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pdf/Lead_Intervention.pdf
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pdf/Lead_Prevention.pdf
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pdf/Lead_Renovation.pdf

Sources used:
Clark, M. J. (2008). Community health nursing. (5th ed.) New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Fokum, F, Simpson, E, & Churchill, S. Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Lead Program. (2009). The impact of lead: Illinois lead program annual surveillance report. Springfield, IL.


Note: This blog post reflects the work of Krystle Banzuela RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Seasonal Allergies

By Janella Schroeder RN

It is spring time! Oh the glory! Time to head outside and mow the grass plant your garden, water the flowers, go to the baseball games, and go for a long evening walk after being cooped up all winter long…but what if you have seasonal allergies? This beautiful and magnificent time of year can be miserable for your patients with chronic allergies, 1 in 6 patients to be exact. The multiple symptoms that are associated with allergies such as sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing and watering of the eyes and dermatitis and/or eczema are the second most reported medical complaint (WOOTEN, 2000).

Do you know what allergies are and how to help?
What are allergies?
Seasonal allergies are an abnormal or over exaggerated response to a substance (dust, mites, pets, mold, pollens, grass…) that most others tolerate without difficulty. When an allergen enters the body the immediate hypersensitivity reaction happens on the surface of mast cells reacting with IgE causing histamine to be released. Histamine causes spasms of smooth muscle, dilation of blood vessels, and increased production of mucus leading to the cascade of allergy symptoms. (WOOTEN, 2000)

How are allergies diagnosed?
• History: The Who, what, what, when, where and how.
WHO: Who all has these symptoms?
WHAT: What causes the symptoms and what are the symptoms?
WHEN: When are the symptoms the worst?
WHERE: Where are the symptoms the worst?
WHY: Why are they seeking treatment now, are they worse?
HOW: How long have they had these symptoms?

• Physical Exam: A complete physical exam should be performed with special attention to eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, and chest.

Common Symptoms: allergic shiners (dark circles under eyes), allergic salute (constant wiping of the nose as if saluting), chronic sniffling, halitosis, postnasal drip, lingering colds, sinusitis, cough, asthma, chronic throat clearing, nasal congestion, snoring, fatigue, rhinitis (Pickett, Hamel, Weaver, & Timmons, 2003). Sneezing, runny nose, watering eyes, itchy eyes, ears, nose (Lillis, 2007).

• RAST Testing: (Radioallergosobent Teasting) A blood allergy test that measures IgE in the patients serum.
• Skin Testing: There are two types of skin tests, the prick and intradermal where very diluted concentrations of allergens are injected into the patient to see if there is a reaction inflected. A patient is considered to be allergic to the allergen if there is a 3mm or larger red wheal on the skin as a reaction (WOOTEN, 2000).

How can I help my patients manage the symptoms?
Environmental Control:
o Watch the weather and pay attention to pollen, grass, weed and mold levels before going outside (hot, dry, windy weather equals more allergens)
o Limit time outside, especially gardening or mowing-wear a mask if you must do these
o Keep windows and doors to house and car closed
o Install an air purifier and a heap-filter on the heater and air conditioner
o Shower and wash clothes daily to remove allergens from clothing and hair
o Vacuum carpet, curtains, and upholstery often
o Wash bedding often and in the warmest water setting on washer

Provide education of medications:
• Antihistamines- can block the effects of the histamine release. Best when taken before exposure to allergen. Available both over the counter and prescription.
• Bronchodilators-given for asthma symptoms associated with allergies, can alleviate bronchospasms.
• Corticosteroids- can be used topically or as a nasal spray to relieve inflammation. Available both over the counter and prescription.
• Decongestants – can reduce congestion in the nasal airway by vasoconstriction. Available both over the counter and prescription.
• Allergy Shots- can help decrease histamine and IgE over time by actually giving small doses of allergen

References:
Lillis, K. (2007, January). Surviving Seasonal Allergies. Advance for Nurses .
Pickett, ,. A., Hamel, ,. V., Weaver, ,. J., & Timmons, C. (2003). Pediatric Allergies. Advance for Nurses , 5 (1), 29.
WOOTEN, L. (2000, October). Diagnosis & Management of Environmental Allergies. Advance for Nurses ,11.

NOTE: This blog post reflects the work of Janella Schroeder, RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Whose afraid of Hepatitis C?

By Kathleen Jacobs-McLoyd RN


ONE INSTANT AND YOUR LIFE CAN BE CHANGED. Do you know to protect yourself? “HEPA”-means liver….”IT IS” means inflammation.
In July 1988, Massachusetts Nurses Association president Karen Daley, MPH, RN, went from being an emergency room department nurse to being a lifelong patient. Karen got stuck with a needle. Six months after being stuck and after reporting the accident she learned that she had been infected with HIV and Hepatitis C. She states “the moment I reached my gloved hand over a needle box to dispose of the needle I had used to draw blood-has drastically changed my life”.
Approximately 170 million people worldwide are infected with the hepatitis C virus; at least four million reside in the United States. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) predicts that in the next 10 years the hepatitis C death toll will triple, eclipsing that of AIDS. Although the rate of HCV infection is declining, those infected decades ago now face complications. Hepatitis C is one of the many types of hepatitis caused by a virus that damages the liver. It’s mainly a blood borne virus, which means that it’s passed from person to person when infected blood comes into contact with non infected blood. It’s also possible to contact hepatitis C from infected body fluids such as IVDU past or present, tattooing, body piercing, needle sticks, dialysis equipment, and transmission from mother to child, and sexual activity that involves contact with infected body fluids. In 10 out of 100 cases of hepatitis C, the risk factor is unknown.
Hepatitis C can be either acute or chronic. Acute infection (1st stage liver is inflamed) typically remains asymptomatic or produces mild symptoms 60%-70% have no discernible symptoms. The most common symptom is fatigue, some people have muscle and joint pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or stomach pains….this sounds like the flu. Sometimes, the liver is able to get rid of the virus and go back to normal. A person infected with hepatitis C can carry the virus 20 years or more and not have symptoms. Chronic infection in up to 85% of hepatitis C cases doesn’t go away when that happens it’s called chronic or long lasting. If liver damage caused by the virus is left untreated, it can sometimes lead to cirrhosis- a serious condition in which normal cells are replaced by scar tissue.
Treatments for HCV are improving medications used to treat hepatitis C. The treatment is a combination of two antivirals- interferon and ribavirin. About 40% of patients with HCV who undergo this therapy become clear of the virus. Self care for patients would include:Inform anyone who may come into contact with your blood that you have hepatitis C. Don’t share any personal hygiene items i.e. razors, nail files, tooth brushes . Carefully toss any items that may contain your blood or body fluids. Clean cuts and wounds with disinfectants and cover with bandages. Avoid sexual practices that may cause contact with blood.
Handle contaminated needles with care, ensure the safety of sharps disposal containers, wear protective equipment, demand hypoallergenic gloves if you’re allergic to latex, consider all human blood as a source of infection, demand safer devices in your workplace.

References:Who’s Afraid of Hepatitis C? American Journal of Nursing Volume 100 (5) May 2000, pp26-32
www.liverfoundation.orgwww.cdc.gov/hepatitis
www.hepc-connection.org

NOTE: This blog post reflects the work of Kathleen Jacobs-McLoyd RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Community Nurses Work for Diabetes Prevention

By Folarin Opakunle RN

One of the chronic illnesses that can be addressed in the community by the community health nurse is diabetes. This illness is on the rampage in our community and if the problem is not promptly address, we may see a decline in our workforce and overall economic growth as a result of the disease complications.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the underlying cause of non-traumatic lower-extremity amputation. Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis.

The community health nurse can treat clients in any of the three stages of preventive care from primary prevention care to secondary prevention, and tertiary prevention. This approach could help blunt the increase morbidity and mortality noted in our community. The primary prevention is done when the nurse educate clients on activities that can be done to prevent the disease from occurring such as proper diet, exercise, and weight loss. The primary prevention will target those who are vulnerable or those who have risk factors for developing the disease. In this stage, there is no clinical manifestation of the disease.

In the secondary preventive care, the community health nurse will screen for clients with clinical manifestation of the disease. The goal of the nurse in the stage is to have the clients get the required treatment to manage the disease.The final stage which is the tertiary prevention care, in this stage, the client has clinical manifestation, treatment is ongoing, and compliance is encouraged. The goal of the community health nurse in this stage is to maintain the clients at their highest level of functioning while preventing or minimize possible complication.

The job of community health care nurse in our community is very vital; therefore the nurses must understand the importance of cultural competency and adequately use a culturally based theory or model to guide their communication and assessment due to the diversity of our community.

References:

Clark, (2009). Community Health Nursing, 5th ed. Sudbury Mass:Pearson Publishing.

Note: This material was created by Folarin Opakunle RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer Rn. The content is intended as information only. Please consult your primary health care provider before beginning or changing your healthcare regimen.

Community Nurses can intervene in HIV

By: Patti Schassburger RN

The increase in the number of cases of HIV is a major concern within our communities. "In 2007 it was estimated that there were 2.5 million new cases of HIV worldwide, including 2.1 million adults and 420,000 children."(Piper,2008) The development and advancement of HIV/AIDS education in our community is crucial to averting the spread of HIV.

Providing the people of our community with educational information about HIV/AIDS will empower individuals with the knowledge to guard themselves from becoming an HIV statistic. Educating the community about HIV/AIDS also reduces the shame and dishonor associated with the disease. It also can reduce the prejudice that accompanies the disease. It is important that the entire community is included in the education process. HIV/AIDS does not discriminate and everyone needs to be aware of this rampant disease. "Providing the general population with basic AIDS education contributes to the spread of accurate information; promoting awareness and tackling stigma and discrimination." (avert.org)

Education about HIV/AIDS should start in the schools. Children are becoming sexually active at a younger age. We must prepare them and educate them. HIV/AIDS education should be included with sexuality education in schools. HIV/AIDS education should be provided in the workplace also.

Community nurses can reach large numbers of people in the community through use of health fairs and free lectures. "Education is a crucial factor in preventing the spread of HIV. Given the huge numbers of deaths that might still be prevented, the importance of effective education cannot be overestimated." (avert.org)

References
Piper,J.(2008)Prevention of Sexually transmitted infections in women. Infections disease clinics of North America (22),619-635.
www.avert.org (referenced 3/30/2010)

Note: This material was created by Patti Schassburger RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer Rn. The content is intended as information only. Please consult your primary health care provider before beginning or changing your healthcare regimen.

Chronic Illness and STDs

By Janella Schroeder RN

When the phrase “chronic illness” is thought of, many diseases come to mind…hypertension, diabetes, COPD, cancer…but some that might not pop in your head but can be equally devastating and equally life threatening are sexually transmitted diseases.

There are currently 4 non-curable STD’s including Herpes, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which are all viral.

In order to educate patients on STD’s it is important to first understand the important facts about them.

Genital Herpes can be symptomless at first, but then develop into blisters that can break and form ulcers to the genital and anal areas caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2).
• It can be months to years before the blisters develop enough to cause visible ulcers, but the virus can still be contagious without obvious blisters via sexual contact (oral, genital, or anal).
• It is believed that as many as 1 in 6 Americans 14-49 have genital herpes. A definitive diagnosis can be made by culturing blister or ulcer.
• There are suppressive therapies taken daily that can reduce the number of outbreaks and lessen the risk of transmission to partners, but there is no cure for herpes.
• Condoms can reduce the risk of herpes, but not prevent it completely because the herpes may be on areas not covered by the condom.

Human Papillomavirus is the most common STD in America today with as many as 50% of those sexually active being infected. There are over 40 types of HPV that can affect the mouth, throat and genital areas of both men and women.
• Some may fight the virus on their own with no s/s, but others are unable to fight the virus and it can lead to genital warts or cancers such as cervical, penile, anal, throat, or mouth.
• HPV is passed through sexual contact (oral, anal, or genital)
• Condoms do not fully protect against HPV because it can live on areas not covered by a condom
• There is a vaccine for girls and women that protects against certain strands of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Recently there has been a vaccine developed for boys/men to protect against certain stands that cause genital warts
• There is currently no test laboratory test for HPV, it is diagnosed only by the visualization or genital warts of when the virus has already caused cervical changes or other cancerous changes

HIV is probably the most well known STD
• HIV is transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk
• HIV often has no symptoms for months to years but can still be transmitted and can be transmitted even with a condom
• It is tested for with a blood test, and should be tested on all patients seeking treatment or testing for other sexually transmitted disease
• There is no cure for HIV but there are meds to suppress the virus and help people live healthy lives for years, the medications however do not lessen the risk of passing the virus on to sexual

Hepatitis B is a liver disease can be caused by sexual contact through infected body fluids including blood, semen, vaginal fluids.
• Symptoms can take up to 6 months to appear and can include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice.
• Hepatitis B is diagnosed with a blood test
• There is a vaccine for Hepatitis B given in 3 steps
• Treatment is supportive only for acute symptoms and select antiviral drugs are used for chronic management of hepatitis B, but there is no cure.

What you can do as a community health nurse:
 The most important preventative tool for these non-curable STD’s is EDUCATION.
 It is not enough anymore to tell patients to “get tested” or “practice safe sex” because those two things cannot prevent all STDs.
 Time must be spent with patients to educate them on the different types of STDs and the ways they are transmitted, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments if there are any.
 Scare tactics may be used when focusing on these four chronic STDs that have no cure and can be deadly. The attitude of many is "I will just take a pill if I catch something".
 It is still important to encourage use of condoms if the patient will be sexually active even if they do not prevent all STDs 100% because people with one STD are more susceptible for other STDs.

References:
Center for Disease Control. (2010). Retrieved March 31, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/

Note: This material was created by Janella Schroeder RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer Rn. The content is indented as information only. Please consult your primary health care provider before beginning or changing your healthcare regimen.

Depression and Women

By Tyonna Gilbert
Depression is a mood disorder that is very common in women. It affects your social life, your personal relationships, careers, and sense of self-worth. Most don’t get the help that they need due to the stigma that it carries. The symptoms of depression varies from person to person, the intensity of symptoms depends on how severe the depression is. Without proper treatment the symptoms can last from weeks, months, or years. Signs and symptoms of depression include:
~Feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness
~Suicidal thoughts or recurrent thoughts of death
~Sleep disturbances
~Loss of appetite
~Weight changes
~Lack of energy and fatigue
~Difficulty concentrating
Causes of depression in women are related to several factors such as biological, psychological, and social factors. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and after childbirth can contribute to depression. Women often suffer from role strain which causes conflicting and overwhelming responsibilities in their lives. Sexual and physical abuse contributes to depression in women.
The first step in receiving treatment is to visit a doctor. Certain medications and some medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as depression. A physical examination, interview, and lab test can rule out these possibilities. Once the medical condition is rule out, the doctor can conduct a psychological evaluation or make a referral to a mental healthcare professional.
The most commonly used treatments for depression are psychotherapy and antidepressant medication, or a combination of the two. Which treatment is used depends on the nature and severity of the depression. Psychotherapy is supportive counseling which addresses the hopelessness of depression. Cognitive therapy focus on changing negative ways of thinking and behaving that contribute to depression. Interpersonal therapy helps deals with stressful relationships and how to manage them.
Medication doesn’t cure the depression; it helps you feel better by controlling the symptoms.
The medication used for depression is called antidepressants, which regulates the mood. The medication must be taken for at least three to four weeks before a therapeutic effect occurs. Medication needs to be taken even if you are feeling better, to prevent a relapse of depression.
You can maintain a normal life if you follow the treatment regimen that was prescribe to you by a mental healthcare provider.

www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/women.htm
www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_women.htm
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression

Note: This material was created by Tyonna Gilbert RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer Rn. The content is indented as information only. Please consult your primary health care provider before beginning or changing your healthcare regimen.

When is Chubby no Longer Cute?

By: Janella Schroeder RN

Everyone loves a chubby baby…the chubbier they are, the cuter and more “healthy” they seem; but when does “chubby” become unhealthy? As cute as a chubby child may seem, it is a very startling fact that the number of children and adolescents that are considered overweight or obese has more than doubled in children aged 2-11 and tripled in adolescents ages 12-19 over the last 20 years (Center for Disease Control, 2009).

Today there is much concern over “labeling” children or causing self esteem issues, so many unhealthy weight problems dealing with children are left untouched by parents and schools. It is imperative to realize though that ignoring the problem in childhood can lead to a life full of health and emotional problems that can be detrimental. It has been shown that overweight children are almost twice as likely to be overweight as an adult and that overweight children can develop “adult” diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and heart disease. The effects of being overweight are not only physical however, the emotional stress of being overweight in childhood can lead to depression, low self esteem, and can even hamper academic success (Center for Disease Control, 2009).

To put it plain and simple, being overweight is caused by an imbalance of calories eaten vs. calories burned through normal body function and everyday activity. The important issue to focus on though is what has changed in the last 20 years leading to this imbalance. There has become an overabundance of fast food and non-nutritional “junk” food consumed by children and adults alike. The increasing oversized portions served at restaurants and at home can be detrimental to a child’s weight and health. There is also a lack of physical activity both at home and school. There is an increasing lack of funding for physical education classes and sports and at home there is more time spent on sedentary activities such as TV, video games, and computer. One of the most damaging effects on a child’s weight is the lack of guidance and education on healthy lifestyle choices by both schools and parents.

So how can all this start to be reversed? The schools needs to start providing healthy and balanced lunch choices, daily physical activity for children and adolescents, and most importantly educate children on balanced eating, making healthy choices, and exercise. Some very useful information can be found at: http://www.mypyramid.gov/Kids/ and http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/TreatmentGuides/exercise.html. At home parents can start by including children in meal planning, shopping, and preparation, keeping healthy snacks in house in place of junk food, paying attention to portion sizes (not just the child’s, but theirs too…children learn by watching) and most of all encourage children to “Get up and play and hour a day” (Healthier US).

References:

Be A Player Get Up And Play An Hour A Day. (n.d.). Retrieved Feb. 22, 2010, from Healthier US: http://www.healthierus.gov/video.html

Childhood Overweight and Obesity. (2009, October). Retrieved Feb 22, 2010, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention : http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html

NOTE: This blog post reflects the work of Janella Schroeder, RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.