Safe Neighborhoods Critical in Combating Childhood Obesity
Now we have hard data supporting our argument that a safe environment is just as important in reducing childhood obesity as eating right and exercising. Researchers studied 768 children and families from 10 diverse regions of the U.S. who were participating in a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development study on early child care and youth development. The found:
- 17 percent of children living in the neighborhoods considered least safe by their parents were overweight
- 10 percent were considered overweight in the next safest category
- 13 percent were considered overweight in the next
- only 4 percent of those living in the safest sections were considered overweight
This relationship was not affected by any other variables…measured, including the education levels or marital status of the children’s mothers, racial or ethnic backgrounds or participation in after-school activities.
The solution? Re-planning entire neighborhoods taking into consideration child safety. And while we’re at it, why not improve childcare and schools, and make it possible for parents to work fewer hours and spend more (active play) time with their kids.
Forbes.com, January 3, 2006
Technorati Tags: kids, children, safety, obesity
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