A Proposal For Dealing With The Problem of Overweight and Obesity in Children
An overview of a proposal for dealing with the problem that I wrote
up upon first consideration of the problem is found below.
It's not good enough to get mad or sad, something has to be done when
people, particularly helpless children, are being hurt.
My tentative suggestions are as follows:
I would suggest that all parents be required to register at La Leche,
or a similar program, and show up there for regular classes in
nutrition while their babies are still nursing or drinking formula,
or that parents be required to pass a test demonstrating that they
know the basics of proper nutrition for children. First-time parents,
even those who appear healthy, should be encouraged to take the
course and not rely on their own understanding of the proper feeding
of a weaned infant.
Any parents who are obviously overweight themselves, or who are known
to be suffering from any chronic diseases that are related to
nutrition, should be targeted for special counseling. They should be
approached gently but authoritatively with the suggestion that they
voluntarily agree to take courses in proper nutrition.
At the end of the course at La Leche, or a similar program, a test
should be required of all participants who were not able to pass the
examination in nutrition before taking the course. A certificate
should be granted upon successful passing of the exam.
Having taken the examination in proper family nutrition and having
received the certificate parents would then be required to keep to
nutritional guidelines in feeding their children. The certificate
for proper feeding and nutrition would be no less binding on parents
than is a drivers' license is on a driver. Parents who having taken
the course in nutrition and/or having passed nutrition examinations
will be held fully legally responsible for the proper feeding and
nutrition of their children.
Pediatricians, child care workers, teachers, school nurses, social
workers and children's psychologists at all level should be trained
to spot malnutrition and improper nutrition in the children in their
care. Special attention must be paid to children of the obese and
those suffering from chronic diseases related to poor nutrition. If
there is any history or suspicion of substance abuse or addictive
behavior in the family the family should be most carefully monitored.
In cases where a child is suspected of being improperly nourished the
appropriate authorities should be called in including: doctors and/or
nurses and/or, psychologists and/or social workers. In some cases
law enforcement authorities may be called in as well. Yes, there are
forms of actual physical and psychological abuse involving food.
Ad hoc panels of experts should be convened to deliberate how to
handle each case of improper nutrition, and/or malnutrition, of
children individually. The determination and recommendations for
follow-up of those committees, be it family therapy, social workers
being brought in to monitor the family, charges of abuse, etc. will
be legally binding upon the parents.
Legislation must be enacted forbidding the sale of unhealthy foods
within 15 minutes walking distance of schools. It should be needless
to say that all junk food dispensers and machines must be removed
from within schools, together with advertisements for such foods.
Doreen
posted by Doreen Ellen Bell-Dotan, Tzfat @ 9:56 AM
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