Influences and Impact

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity rates have nearly tripled between the years 1980 and 2004. In 2006, there was a 17% prevalence rate of obesity in children between the ages of six and eleven-years-old. With the rise of obesity in children, there is also a rise with immediate and long term health impacts.

Schools can be considered key partners in the effort to reverse the growing issue of childhood obesity. It is estimated that more than 95% of children are enrolled in schools. The school environment is an ideal setting for educating children on how to implement and continue a healthy, active lifestyle. Research has shown a positive relationship between physical activity, nutrition, and academic performance. If this resolution is enacted, we feel it will have a positive impact on nurses, clients, and the health care system.

Nurses can continue to educate clients about the importance of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. If consumers are more informed and are physically active at a young age, it will decrease the likelihood of weight related health problems later in life. Spending the money and time now to educate the youth, will hopefully decrease the health care costs of future generations.

Senate Joint Resolution NO. 85

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the obesity-related morbidity costs will be approaching $147 billion per year in the United States. Given that obese children are more likely to become obese adults, this resolution promotes physical activity during each school day along with sound nutrition. It is recommended that children participate in 60 minutes of activity a day. Since the growing child spends a large portion of their day in the school environment, this resolution recommends that the local school divisions promote daily physical activity in an effort to reduce childhood obesity.