Barry Rose
12/3/11
Analyzing a Trend
The health of our children’s lives is in danger. Childhood Obesity is a growing problem in our community as the rates keep rising. In 2008, more than one-third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. (Guillery) Childhood obesity is a growing problem that needs to be addressed. Rates have tripled over the last three decades and will continue to rise unless parents and children take action. (Guillery) Today, 17 % of children ages 2-19 are obese.
There are many causes for this trend. One cause is an unhealthy diet. Our culture is always in a rush. Not as many people sit home and have a healthy cooked dinner. Many people choose the quicker and easier way and get fast food, or order out. Unfortunately this is also very unhealthy. Soda is also consumed at a much higher rate. Soda is also very unhealthy. Many children also choose to eat very unhealthy snacks. Like chips, candy, and chocolate. These are filled with sugars, fats, and calories.
Parents need to try and create healthier food options for their children. Take the time to cook a healthy dinner at home. Don’t buy soda or unhealthy snacks. Instead buy milk, water, and juices for drinks, and fruits and vegetables for snacks. Give your children healthy options and eliminate the unhealthy ones and they will start to make the right decisions on their own.
Another cause for the rise of Childhood Obesity is the lack of exercise. With so many technological toys, video games and movies, children no longer get the exercise they need. Instead of children doing outdoor activities and burning fat and calories, they are staying indoors. Children should get at least 60 minutes a day of exercise, and instead, most are getting close to none. Computer play and video games are taking over. Children would much rather stay indoors and play those games, rather than use energy playing physical games outside.
Parents need to make sure that their children get exercise somehow. Only allow children time playing games indoors if they have played outside for a certain amount of time. Make an afterschool schedule of doing home work, then an outdoor activity, dinner, and then maybe some video game play. Parents could also take time to play with their children. Perhaps play catch, go for a walk, or go for a bike ride. Having activities to do with your kids will encourage them to do some on their own. Creating good healthy habits for your children is important for their health and well being. Getting your child involved in sports is another way to make sure your child gets the exercise they need.
The effects of Childhood Obesity are very bad. It can cause the development of type 2 diabetes which can be deadly to children. Type 2 diabetes in children is a chronic condition that affects the way your child's body metabolizes sugar (glucose). Type 2 diabetes was once called adult-onset diabetes. Due to the rise in children with this disease because of childhood obesity, it is now called type 2. This is directly related to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, high blood pressure, and blindness.
Work Cited:
In 2008, more than one-third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.
Dr. Ed Guillery, “Local Experts Address Childhood Obesity” The Columbian (Vancouver, Washington)
October 1, 2011 LexisNexis Academic. Web
Rates have tripled over the last three decades.
Dr. Ed Guillery, “Local Experts Address Childhood Obesity” The Columbian (Vancouver, Washington)
October 1, 2011 LexisNexis Academic. Web
Today, 17% of children ages 2-19 are obese.
“Doctor: Childhood obesity a 'personal tragedy'” Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, Kentucky) Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News October 1, 2011 LexisNexis Academic. Web
The assignment was to analyze a trend. A trend defines a recent change in the behavior within a an identified group. This change takes place over a certain period of time, which should be clearly stated in the trend. An analysis of a trend should have a good use of statistics, quotations of expert opinion, and or the use of factual information. The causes and the effects should be clearly outlined and discussed in a logical sense. The assignment asked for the use of two credible sources which should be documented MLA format.
ReplyDeleteOverall my partners analysis was good with the use of facts, and statistics."Today, 17 % of children ages 2-19 are obese." in paragraph one shows a good example of that. I feel he has made a great start to analyzing this trend. He clearly states the trend early on in the writing, which was "Childhood Obesity is a growing problem in our community as the rates keep rising", this worked well for me.
The one area he needs to work on is adding a conclusion at the end. I felt the sense of hanging. If he ties his conclusion into his thesis will be most helpful in keeping the sense of "left hanging" from happening.
You begin with the cause of an unhealthy diet but later seem to point finger at the parental issues. Seems like you go back and forth with this. Where are you going with this?
When did this trend begin?
Were there any other studies conducted before 2008?