Change in Activity Level through Evolution

1. Change in Activity Level through Evolution

2. The average child spends about 5 ½ hours/day using media (t.v., videos, music, computers, video games)

3. Physical Activity • Fewer children are fit and active in the past • Children are exhibiting early signs of CVD risk factors and Type 2 diabetes  • Inactive children, when compared with active children, weigh more and have higher blood pressure.

4. Television • Watching t.v. requires no energy above resting metabolic rates • T.V. reduces the time the child spends in energetic activities (Dietz, Gortmaker, Pediatrics, 1985)

5. Food Group Representation During Saturday Morning Commercials 50.3% Other 4.5% Milk 1.8% Meat 0% Veg. 0% Fruit 43.4% Grains

6. A New Paradigm • Research shows that it is healthier to be “fit and fat” than “unfit and thin” • Thin does not mean healthy • Weight is only one factor to health

7. Healthy bodies, healthy minds

8. Smart Activities •  Any physical movement can count for kids and adults: • Walking • Swimming • Dodge ball • Dancing • Raking leaves • Housework • Making a snowman

9. Smart Activities • Each person is unique and will enjoy doing different hobbies and activities. • Each person has the potential to be active in his or her own way. • Choose an action verb and do it.

10. Can I order some self-esteem and healthy body image with those fries?

11. “It is difficult to envision an environment more effective than our own for producing nearly universal body dissatisfaction, preoccupation with eating and weight, clinical cases of eating disorders, and obesity. The damaging paradox is that while an extremely lean contoured and sculpted body is ideal…the environment provides access to and encourages consumption of a diet that is high in fat, high in calories, delicious, widely available, and low in cost.” (Battle)

13. Media Images • Slim actors, actresses, and models are prevalent in t.v. shows, movies, and advertisements • As the ideal female body size has gotten smaller, the actual body size of the average woman has increased • Unrealistic cultural ideals for both males and females are projected through books, magazines, television, and even children’s toys

14. Cultural Ideals for Children

15. The Media Uncovered • Barbie • The Facts: A 5’7 female of 124 lbs and average body proportion, would need to grow 12 inches in her bust, lose 10 inches off her waist, and measure 7’2” in height to attain Barbie’s proportions. • Brownell • G.I. Joe • The Facts: If G.I. Joe Extreme were a live being, he would have a 48” chest, a cut 32” waist, and unfathomable 32” biceps. • Horton

16. Media images can distort the concept of “beauty” and “perfection”

17. Body Image • Poor body image is not only an issue among overweight individuals • Just as we should encourage acceptance of diversity in color, we should accept diversity in size, not perpetuate fatism, and focus on a person’s individuality and character • Each person is unique. Each person’s body is unique. Individuals come in different sizes, shapes, and weights.

18. Promoting Positive Body Image • Provide praise and positive comments to children that focus on strengths – not on weight • Create an environment of acceptance • Recognize that body shapes will change with growth • Have a positive attitude about your own body and weight

19. What Can You Do?

20. Be A Great Role Model • As parents and/or teachers, you are the most important role models for children • Practice what you “preach”

21. Be Smart! • Smart Foods • Smart Choices • Smart Drinks • Smart Snacks • Smart Activities • Smart Image

22. Thank You … And Questions

23. 1 EXPERIENCE the activity; perform; do it 5 APPLY what was learned to a similar or different situation; practice 2 SHARE the results, reactions, and observations publicly Do Apply Reflect 3 PROCESS by discussing, looking at the experience; analyze, reflect 4 GENERALIZE to connect the experience to real world examples