Question

A local community health center identifies childhood obesity as a problem in the community. They collect data demonstrating that the problem begins as early as elementary school. They develop a plan that includes clinical interventions at the health center and also at the elementary school. They ask the health department to help them organize an educational campaign and assist in evaluating the results. Working together, they are able to reduce the obesity rate among elementary school children by 50%. This seems like a new way to practice public health. What type of approach is this?

Please help me with 1 page thoughtful and evidence-based reaction to the question, make reference to the sub-topics in chapter 12- Public Health Institutions and Systems-Introduction to Public Health 101 that relates to my choice question.

Answer 1

This is a primordial mode of disease prevention, taking preventive meaaures before risk factor occur.

As obesity is the risk factor for many disease like heart disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, Polycystic ovarian disease, insulin resistance , type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The obesity can be reduced by

- doing physical activity

- eating balanced diet

So it is during the childhood to adoloscent time the more children getting obese.Possible causes

-In elementary school the children are pampered too much by giving junk food, or after school the friends get together and the main interest is the fast food.

-Because of increased work load in study or getting interested in other indoor activities.

It is important to indulge health education to these children as early as possible, so that they grow with the habits of eating healthy and nutritious food rather than junk food

- importance of developing a routine lifestyle with excercise

- they also will understand the harmful effects of lack of excercise

But some children have hereditary cause for obesity

So all the children should be checked regularly for their weight gain, ( is it within the normal range )

If not in the normal range they should be investigated further for hormonal imbalance, blood sugar, needed assess the bone age.

There should be regular medical check up for children as well as educate them about the harmful effects of obesity and what all disease can occur, how it effect the health eventually. So the importance of exercise or physical activity should be taught again and again. The health education can be collaberated with local health department.

The children must be engaged in some physical activity in the school by grouping the children in to various club or sports club

They should be awarded some points or marks to there academic, if taking part in any of the club, it will encourage them more and more.