Article Review on
Childhood obesity is a growing major health problem in the United States. Obesity that starts during childhood posts risks for multiple problems not only during this stage of life of the person but also as they become adults. Cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are among the health problems linked to childhood obesity. Aside from these, a link between obesity and poor school performance and other risky behaviours are also linked to childhood obesity. As health care providers, how can we proactively promote and prevent childhood obesity? What are we doing to change the lifestyle of the population already affected by this health problem? How do we manage this growing epidemic?
This problem is made worse by the endless availability and convenience of unhealthy food coupled with the growing sedentary lifestyle of kids these days due to computer games, smartphones and the internet. As nurses, we can begin to help by tapping the parents. Naturally, it is them that deal with their children at home and have a huge influence on their eating habits and lifestyle. Early on, we can educate the parents on basic nutrition, how to read food labels and healthy eating. Those parents who are more knowledgeable on nutrition will more likely be successful in helping their kids with the weight problems. It is also important to inform them on food alternatives to the recommended diet which is low calorie or low fat diet. Offering alternatives that the kids will like may help with the compliance. When suggesting exercise, you have to make sure that the exercise is fun and exciting for the children. Encourage parents to be strict on controlling the number of hours their kids spend on playing computer games or watching TV.
Ultimately, it is important that we listen to the concerns and needs of the family in order for us to plan out an approach that is tailored-fit for them. As nurses, we should promote healthy living and provide early interventions for the population at risk in the community (Paoletti, 2007).
This article shows how important culturally congruent nursing care is nowadays. Because of immigration levels around the world that are rising like never before, nurses should be equipped with the knowledge of transcultural nursing. With culturally congruent care, the healthcare needs of the population from culturally diverse groups can be met.
This study was done to explore the risk factors of depressive symptoms among Central American immigrant mothers with adolescent daughters in the United States. Out of the 101 participant mothers, over one-third showed positive depressive symptoms. The findings showed that the culture change did not turn out to be a significant predictor of depressive symptoms.
A history of depression in the family was a predictor. Aside from this, family conditions such as divorce and stress in the family like children particularly adolescents involved in bad behaviours such as drinking, smoking, etc.
This research has implications for the nursing practice specifically the mental health of the target population. As nurses I think it is time to shift from focusing on the at-risk individuals to focusing on the whole family. Prevention should start with the family. Instead of just focusing on the mother as an individual, the target of change should be the family as a unit. A depression prevention program should be part of standard mental health services (Rishel, 2012).
The relationship of mother and daughter (mother-child) should be the base of the prevention efforts. Education about the relationship of mother-child should be made available in appropriate health care settings. Activities that promote awareness and education should be included in all settings where mothers and their children seek out services. A comprehensive strategy should be developed for the prevention of depression in this population in collaboration with researchers and other health care providers (Rishel, 2012).
References
Paoletti, J. (2007). Tipping the scales: What nurses need to know about the childhood obesity epidemic. Modern medicine. Retrieved 17 February 2016, from http://www.modernmedicine.com/modern-medicine/content/tipping-scales-what-nurses-need-know-about-childhood-obesity-epidemic
Rishel, C. (2012). Pathways to Prevention for Children of Depressed Mothers: A Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Practice. Depression Research And Treatment, 2012, 1-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/313689
