What if a doctor became the Principle of an elementary school? Would be see more change?? As obesity is becoming a disease in our nation I think this question is worth pondering. If more health professionals became involved in education, would we be able to see more of an impact on health?
I strongly believe that we are now seeing social stratification account for certain health disparities among low income neighborhoods and communities. Obesity often leads to depression, HTN, diabetes, and increased cardiac risk factors which can be prevented by health promotion and education. Many communities do not have the resources or funds to provide nutritious options to families and local children and I hope to find a way to change this.
With diabetes and atherosclerosis sharply rising in children and adolescents, obesity treatment and prevention is worth the investment from an economic and public health perspective. I think both clinical research and changes to public policy and government regulations are key elements that can help fight this battle. Obesity is a product of so many components such as genetics, diet, level of activity, economic status, and psychological factors that in order to target the root cause we must educate and advocate the importance of behavior modification using teaching to motivate and change individuals for the better. Parents have a direct influence on the health of their children so hopefully we can start break the link between poverty, unhealthy eating, and poor health.
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