Thursday, December 4, 2014

What if?...


What happens if America continues down this road of physical inactivity among children?  What would the ramifications be if we did absolutely nothing to change the course of our children’s health? If recess is not considered a critical part of a child’s growth development and learning process during their school years, then the consequences could be detrimental, even life-threatening.  Obesity among children can cause a plethora of immediate health complications such as “sleep, respiratory, and gastrointestinal problems, endocrine disorders, menstrual irregularities, genitourinary problems, skin conditions, orthopedic problems, and psychosocial problems.” (Kopelman, Caterson, and Dietz, 383).

Obese children are also more likely to be obese into adulthood.  Recent studies indicate that over seventy-five percent obese children continue to be obese as adults.  Not only do they remain obese, but are more obese than those who have adult-onset obesity (Kopelman 392).  Obesity leading in to adulthood increases the morbidity and mortality rates.  It causes severe health problems in adult years that can be chronic complications, such as diabetes and heart problems.

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