Data conducted by the CDC and President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition provides a few risk factors related to an unhealthy diet and not getting enough physical activity and the benefits associated with living a healthy lifestyle. Children now spend more than 7 hours per day in front of a screen (computer, smart phone, video games, TV). Colorado does not mandate physical education in el
ementary, middle school/junior high or high school. Nearly 45% of children living in a low-income family are undernutrition. Since the early 1970s childhood obesity has quadrupled in children 6-11 years of age and has tripled for adolescents 12-19 years of age. Nearly 45% of children living in a low-income family are malnutrition. Poor diet has both immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being.
25% of children ages 5 to 10 years have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or other early warning sign for heart disease. Healthy eating is associated with reduced risk for many diseases, such as cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Healthy lifestyle is associated with improved cognitive function, and improved self-esteem. It is estimated that healthier diets might prevent $71 billion per year in medical costs, lost productivity, and the value of premature deaths associated with an unhealthy diet. In the U.S., food borne agents affect 1 out of 6 individuals and cause approximately 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths each year. References:
President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. Retrieved at: http://www.fitness.gov/resource-center/facts-and-statistics
Nutrition and Health of Young People. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Retrieved at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm
State Profiles. National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the American Heart Association. Retrieved at: http://www.shapeamerica.org/advocacy/son/2010/upload/Colorado-profile
Frazao, Elizabeth. “High cost of poor eating patterns in the United States” Retrieved at: ers.usda.gov
National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA). Retrieved at:https://www.cspinet.org/nutritionpolicy/CDC%20briefing%20book%20FY09.pdf
