Childhood obesity is a societal epidemic! Whats for diner tonight?

Dear Editor:

       Childhood obesity is a societal epidemic, of which, in most cases, it will be prevented by better eating habits, exercising, and parental control. Collectively, we must consider this to be a crisis and make it a priority to educate those in control of how children are taught to care for their bodies, which are the parents.
       Statistically, children are affected far more than most would know. “With approximately one out of three children in America considered overweight or obese, it is clear that childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions” (“Bariatric physicians do not support state intervention for childhood obesity,” 2011, para. 2). Furthermore, if programed to eat unhealthy as a child, they will carry that through to adulthood.
       Additionally, the economic burden placed on healthcare systems is alarming. More and more doctor’s visits to pediatricians are leading to health concern conversations that are attributed to their patients being overweight. The healthcare systems are afflicted with greater use than ever before because of illnesses that could be avoided if obesity was not their topic of concern (Trasande & Elbel, 2013).
Offering to partner with other local groups, to host a "Get Fit" rally which could help to inform and educate both the parents and the children of our community on how to live a healthier lifestyle.

Kindly, Sheri  Frasinetti
Student at Kaplan University.