Growing Problem Of Child Obesity
Group C had selected a topic of health promotion which is adolescents with type two diabetes in Minnetonka, Minnesota, due to the higher rate of obesity and diabetes in adolescents in this community. Also, the nursing model of this project which will guide by Panders Health Promotion model. There are about 50,000 residents and include 20.8% of residents are under age 18; 90% of the residents are Caucasian in this community. Most of Minnetonka’s families are well educated and with good finance status ("Minnetonka, Minnesota," 2015). Group C is focusing on the diet management and increasing levels of physical activity education in Minnetonka’s youths.
Needs & Barriers
According to State Indicator (2014) reported that 60.7% of Minnetonka’s children do exercise and physical activities at community recreation centers and parks (compared with 54% of U.S.), but the community did not meet the national guidelines to instruct youth was engaging an appropriate level of exercise (State Indicator, 2014). Furthermore, less than one of five Minnesota’s adolescents eat five fruits and vegetables as recommendation daily. Also, youths have a poor nutrition which is often consume sweetened beverages, low fiber, and low protein food ("Minnesota Department of Health," 2012). In Minnetonka, more than 50% of children live with single parents, and they prefer to eat fast food than family meals. 52% of parents and caregivers also said that their household food which less of nutrition. However, parents are still affecting children’s weight and eating behaviors (Bruening, MacLehose, Story, & Neumark-Sztainer, 2012). At the meantime, school’s lunch and vending machine may also affect youths’ health and eating habits. Above of reasons which are the potential barrier for health promotion and intervention in youth in Minnetonka.
Strategies
Child obesity which is associated with poor nutrition and inactive physical factors and it could develop to chronic disease and type two diabetes. To reduce the incidence of obesity and illness consequences, there are several strategies of health prevention and implementation in Minnetonka’s youths. First, establish an obesity and diabetes prevention program: as the school nurse childhood obesity prevention Program (S.C.O.P.E.), which is providing tools, skills, screening, and referral students who at the risk of obesity and diabetes to the appropriate health professional (Schantz, S., & Bobo, N., 2009). Second, operate the seminars and meetings: allowing students, families ask questions after the school health educations classes. Third, create a pamphlet: for guiding the students and parents to have the healthy diet, healthy eating habits, and levels of exercise. Fourth, to get support group information, professionals should contact the community office; professionals are responsible passing the information to patients and families. Community office may also contact a support group, such ICA food shelf, and YMCA, to assist adolescents and families in this regard (The Minnetonka Family Collaborative, 2015). Fifth, community legislature: the government, health care professionals and community officers may need to take an action for healthy food vending in schools, and banning sell with sugared soda and snack food vending. The way maybe limit the amount of unhealthy food be consumed by children.
