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Preventing Childhood Obesity in Australia Essay

Decent Essays

Childhood obesity is becoming more prevalent in the western world as statistics show that in Australia, one quarter of children are either overweight or obese. (Australian Bureau of statistics) Teachers have a role and opportunity to be an influence on students. They can train and develop good eating habits as well as encourage physical activity. The age 2-6 will be the focus of preventing obesity. This is a fantastic age group to work with as they are at the age to start good habits in all areas of life. Through this essay and backed by research, I will show how physical education is important for 2-6 years old. I will explain a way that teachers can play a role in preventing obesity. I will then finish off with three practical …show more content…

They may not be scared to join in as they are now beginning to enjoy each other’s company. (McDevitt & Ormrod, p20) Children in this age group also emerge socially. They are ‘more willing to share their toys and take turns’ (Mcdevitt, 2010, p24). This is a great development to have, especially towards physical activity because they are beginning realise the concept of working together and not getting as upset when it is someone else turn in a game they may be playing together. Teachers have a key role in addressing and preventing obesity. An important key would be to be a role model ourselves. (Briley + Roberts-Gray, 2005: Jana + Shu2007) state that ‘modelling healthy eating to children can help develop healthy eating themselves’. A way we could do this would be taking a piece of fruit to school to eat every day and also watching us drink plenty of water. Another way a teacher could prevent obesity is to encourage the parents to come on board with encouraging healthy eating and physical activity. ‘Parent food choices and practices play important roles in obesity’ (Berk, 2000, p197). Teachers could send home flyers which include a balance of healthy eating and how much physical activity a child should do daily like the one flyer found . There are many ways a teacher could assist in addressing obesity and here are three ways that could make a

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