The effects of
poor nutrition in childhood can produce serious consequences
that can last throughout the lifespan. Obesity, which already
is a national epidemic for adults, is also increasing in
children. The percentage of young people who are overweight
has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens
aged 6 - 19 years, 16 percent (or over 9 million young people)
are considered overweight (Source: CDC). Additionally, a
growing number of children (disproportionately in minority
communities) are being diagnosed with chronic conditions
associated with obesity including hypertension, type 2 diabetes
(adult onset), stroke and osteoarthritis. Research indicates
that good nutrition contributes to a healthy start for children
and helps prepare them for learning. This half-hour program
features a physician, parent/health advocate, physical trainer,
and formerly obese individual who share their insights and
offer advice for helping kids to eat healthy.
Tape piece - Produced by Paula M. Levine,
this program begins with a mini-documentary that features
the recently opened "Nutritional Sciences Preschool"
at Rutgers University. The curriculum is based on "discovery
learning and meaningful social interaction". But more
importantly for our purposes, cooking and nutrition education
are emphasized in all of the classes. The kids taste new foods,
make their own food choices, and even learn how to "cook"
simple snacks. The idea is to create healthy eating habits
early. Another interesting component is that the school is
used as a "lab" for the education students at Rutgers.
Students work daily with the pre-schoolers and are also able
to observe them through a one-way mirror into the classroom.
We'll see the kids in action and meet and speak with the program's
director Harriet Worobey, one of the college students currently
working with her, and a parent who has seen her child blossom
under this new approach.
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Dr. Danine Fruge |
Mike Henderson |
Matthew Machado |
Christiane Baker |
Guests
Dr. Danine Fruge - Family Practice Physician
with the Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa in Florida.
Mike Henderson – Physical trainer and author of "Ignorance is Not Fat Free."
Matthew Machado - Overweight through adolescence,
in eighth grade, Matt tipped the scales at 210 pounds.
Christiane Baker - who is a health advocate,
creator of children's television programming, organic farmer and parent.
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