Obesity has become a national public health issue, no longer just affecting the individuals who are deemed overweight. With skyrocketing health care costs due to obesity related chronic diseases, this issue now affects the nation's pocketbook, not to mention a chilling outlook for the health and longevity of our young generation. Most children's eating habits are formed by the time they reach the fourth grade, so it is imperative to positively influence their diet and lifestyle at an early age.
But how do you attack a health issue that is so pervasive that it affects almost 1 in 5 children and one third of adults?
With the help of the public education system, that's how.
The AMA - American Medical Association- recently "agreed to support legislation that would require classes in causes, consequences and prevention of obesity for 1st through 12th graders." And what better way for children to learn and to be receptive to a new, healthier approach to eating than to be surrounded by their peers?
Doctors, usually utilized in a more retroactive manner when it comes to treating health issues, are now on board to push for a more proactive approach to obesity prevention and care. "Doctors will be encouraged to volunteer their time in the classroom under the new policy adopted on the final day of the AMA's annual policymaking meeting." With doctors joining forces with other obesity prevention advocates, the road to a healthier nation becomes easier to imagine and to achieve.
Recipe for Success Foundation's award-winning Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education (S2P)- committed to changing the way children appreciate, understand and eat their food- has been in Houston elementary schools for six years, encouraging young students to interact in cooking and gardening classes and teaching them that good food can be fun and delicious! After a few years in the S2P program, children who before could not even identify a fruit now can help prepare a homemade pesto sauce and clamor to get the first taste of a fresh squash from the school gardens.
Our nation needs a lasting and meaningful change. A change that influences all cultures and all economic statuses, creating a more just and sustainable approach to healthy living.
But how do you attack a health issue that is so pervasive that it affects almost 1 in 5 children and one third of adults?
With the help of the public education system, that's how.
The AMA - American Medical Association- recently "agreed to support legislation that would require classes in causes, consequences and prevention of obesity for 1st through 12th graders." And what better way for children to learn and to be receptive to a new, healthier approach to eating than to be surrounded by their peers?
Doctors, usually utilized in a more retroactive manner when it comes to treating health issues, are now on board to push for a more proactive approach to obesity prevention and care. "Doctors will be encouraged to volunteer their time in the classroom under the new policy adopted on the final day of the AMA's annual policymaking meeting." With doctors joining forces with other obesity prevention advocates, the road to a healthier nation becomes easier to imagine and to achieve.
Recipe for Success Foundation's award-winning Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education (S2P)- committed to changing the way children appreciate, understand and eat their food- has been in Houston elementary schools for six years, encouraging young students to interact in cooking and gardening classes and teaching them that good food can be fun and delicious! After a few years in the S2P program, children who before could not even identify a fruit now can help prepare a homemade pesto sauce and clamor to get the first taste of a fresh squash from the school gardens.
Our nation needs a lasting and meaningful change. A change that influences all cultures and all economic statuses, creating a more just and sustainable approach to healthy living.
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