Jasleen Mangat
College of New Caledonia
Deborah Collette
NURS 101
Importance of Promoting Healthy Eating for Elementary School Children
Healthy eating is of great importance as it has a drastic effect on one’s life, and more importantly on the lives of children. Providing appropriate nutrition and educating elementary children of the significance of proper nutrition are essential factors for proper growth and development, chronic disease prevention, and the achievement of academic success (Pittman et al., 2012). Without proper nutritional guidance, children are susceptible towards falling into long lasting poor eating habits that may lead to a number of health risks, including obesity (Steele et al., 2011). Obesity and other health issues are becoming significant problems that keep increasing and have started to become a visible issue in younger children (Steele et al., 2011). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of promoting healthy eating to children in elementary school and the role schools play in the choices children make. This paper also provides solutions to the health issues discussed above by identifying the barriers to healthy eating. More specifically, how these barriers in the education system can prevent elementary school children from learning about healthy eating and how schools can overcome these barriers by adding healthy eating programs to promote optimum health and well being.
References
Pittman, D. W., Parker, J. S., Getz, B. R., Jackson, C. M., Le, T., Riggs, S. B., & Shay, J. M. (2012). Cost-free and sustainable incentive increases healthy eating decisions during elementary school lunch. International Journal Of Obesity, 36(1), 76-79. doi:10.1038/ijo.2011.205
Steele, R. G., Wu, Y. P., Jensen, C. D., Pankey, S., Davis, A. M., & Aylward, B. S. (2011). School nurses ' perceived barriers to discussing weight with children and their
References: Pittman, D. W., Parker, J. S., Getz, B. R., Jackson, C. M., Le, T., Riggs, S. B., & Shay, J. M. (2012). Cost-free and sustainable incentive increases healthy eating decisions during elementary school lunch. International Journal Of Obesity, 36(1), 76-79. doi:10.1038/ijo.2011.205 Steele, R. G., Wu, Y. P., Jensen, C. D., Pankey, S., Davis, A. M., & Aylward, B. S. (2011). School nurses ' perceived barriers to discussing weight with children and their families: A qualitative approach. Journal Of School Health, 81(3), 128-137. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2010.00571.x