Saving Lives

Saving Lives

 

 

 

I believe this video clip captures the essence of what’s happening in the lives of our young children today with regards to their health.  I’m sure you will agree that we do not want our future generation to live lives 10 years shorter than what we are living.  These diseases are preventable and we, parents, teachers and the community are able to contribute to saving the lives of young children.  Therefore it is imperative that we as teachers up skill with regards to information about healthy lifestyles and nutrition in order to equip children with the necessary skills and knowledge in regards to managing their health and wellbeing.

This issue is as serious in New Zealand as anywhere else, The District Health Board (2011) advises that one in five children in New Zealand are overweight and these children are likely to remain obese in adulthood.  This lifestyle leads to premature death and greater disabilities in adulthood as well as has severe impacts on children’s self esteem, which leads to socialisation issues.  As one of our objectives within early childhood is to support and promote the wellbeing of children.  The Ministry of Education (1996) suggests that children should develop “knowledge about how to keep themselves healthy” (p. 48) therefore we should be incorporating within our practice, teachings to develop the skills and knowledge around health and nutrition.  As part of our practice within centres we are able to achieve this through our positive reciprocal relationships with children and their families.  As we are one of the influential figures behind laying the foundations for children’s futures, I believe it is of significance that we acknowledge our part in contributing to developing these life skills within children and their families.

If we make the educating of health and nutrition among families and children a priority now, we might be able to prevent the onset of these diseases among individuals.  

As Professor Lefèbvre suggests that prevention programmes should focus on preventing obesity by facilitating physical activity and healthy diets, thisisachievable within early childhood

education.

One particular centre is making it a priority to create awareness around this subject by incorporating the following in their teachings and routines within the centre.  They are:

·     Encouraging physical activity throughout the day

·     Providing children with only healthy options for morning and afternoon tea meals

·     Offering parents advise through newsletters, notice boards and informal discussions of healthy lunchbox options

·     Incorporating process cooking with the children, in order for the children to be part of the process of making healthy meals and snacks

·     Revisiting regularly the idea of keeping themselves healthy and how this is achieved

·     Welcoming community based sports programmes to be run at the centre for the children to   participate in.

These are a few examples of how a centre and staff are able to contribute to creating awareness and educating children with regards to healthy nutrition and physical activity.  As Jamie Oliver (2010) stated that the home is one of the main influences when it comes to developing a child’s food culture, I believe so is an early childhood centre.  As some children spend a great deal of their day within these centres and what they learn there will have a significant impact in their knowledge and understandings of not only this subject but many others in order to equip them for their futures.

I believe that it is the responsibility of the entire nation to make it a priority to equip society, families and children with the necessary education, options and availability of healthy food, nutrition and physical activities.  By creating an awareness of these two significant life threatening diseases and introducing policies and strategies in order to prevent the onset of and decrease the statistics of  type 2 diabetes and obesity not only among adults but children we are able to save precious lives.

I would like to end with a quote from Jamie Oliver (2010) for us all to acknowledge “I wish for everyone to help create a strong, sustainable movement to educate every child about food, inspire families to cook again and empower people everywhere to fight obesity”.



 

References

About Type 2 diabetes. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org.nz/about_diabetes/type_2_diabetes

Children and Diabetes — More information. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/projects/cda2.htm

Diabetes around the world infographic. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.a-health-blog.com/diabetes-around-the-world-infographic.html

Diabetes: Definitions, Signs & Symptoms. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.wakemed.org/body.cfm?id=604

Diabetes New Zealand. (2008, November 12). Diabetes goes blue for our children. Media Release. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org.nz/news/diabetes_goes_blue_for_our_children

Diabetes worse killer than AIDS. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org.nz/news/world_news/diabetes_worse_killer_than_aids

Health and Pacific Peoples in New Zealand. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/people_and_communities/pacific_peoples/pacific-progress-health/overall-health.aspx

http://library.eit.ac.nz:2094/ps/i.do?action=interpret&id=GALE%7CA264132360&v=2.1&u=per_eit&it=r&p=GRGM&sw=w&authCount=1  retrieved from Primo by Ex Libris

International Diabetes Federation. (2004, June 25). Diabetes and obesity epidemic in children: International call to action. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org.nz/news/world_news/diabetes_and_obesity_epidemic_in_children_international_call_to_action

Johnston, M. (2009, May 26). Govt cuts off cash to obesity coalition. The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10574539

Kedgley, S. (2004). Obesity speech. Retrieved from http://www.greens.org.nz/speeches/obesity-speech

New Zealand First Party. (2013, January 30). Government impotent on tackling diabetes and obesity. Scoop Independent News. Retrieved from http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1301/S00182/government-impotent-on-tackling-diabetes-and-obesity.htm

Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He Whāriki Mātauranga mō ngā Mokopuna o Aotearoa. Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

Obesity. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nzma.org.nz/sites/all/files/pos_obesity.pdf

Oliver, J. [JamieOliver]. (2010, February 12). Jamie Oliver's TED Award speech. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIwrV5e6fMY

Ryall, T. (2012). National diabetes nurse specialist symposium. Retrieved from http://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/national-diabetes-nurse-specialist-symposium

Torrie, B. (2012, June 12. Obesity hike puts Kiwis in line for $1b diabetes bill. The Dominion Post. Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/7081926/Obesity-hike-puts-Kiwis-in-line-for-1b-diabetes-bill

Waikato District Health Board. (2011). Obesity, diabetes and fast food – the impact of marketing to children. Retrieved from http://www.waikatodhb.govt.nz/file/fileid/41015

 

What is diabetes?. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org.nz/about_diabetes

How are we being supported???

How are we being Supported???


As identified in my previous blog a major contributing factor to the rising of type 2 diabetes among the population and children is that of the rise in obesity statistics.  I would like to look at what the government is currently doing to assist society in managing and potentially decreasing the rising numbers of obesity and type 2 diabetes within our community and young children. 

In 2006, the United Nations (UN) passed a historical resolution recognising 14 November each year as the United Nations World Diabetes Day and in doing so, requesting nations to develop policies to prevent, treat and care for people living with and those at risk of developing diabetes. 

Although the numbers of children dying of diabetes is high in low and middle-income countries because of the lack of insulin available, Mike Smith says that “We are in the same position as many third world countries in not having a strategy” (Diabetes New Zealand, 2010, para. 10.).  Although New Zealand is currently making good effort in trying to create an awareness of Obesity and Diabetes, Mike Smith advises that a national strategy or plan could provide the necessary influence in order to create awareness of these two diseases.

New ZealandFirst (2013) supports this by suggesting that the Government lives up to its health responsibilities and develop a national strategy to address these two epidemics of diabetes and obesity.

Mrs Stewart (New Zealand First, 2013) says that the over-consumption of sugar is a leading cause of obesity and diabetes.  New Zealand has the highest sugar intake in the world and coincidentally the highest rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the world.  All these facts identify a serious problem with regards to the rising levels of diabetes and obesity within our community.  I believe, like others, that it is time for the Government to urgently address this issue before it’s too late and severely impacts the health of our population and increases the financial cost to society (Diabetes New Zealand (2008), New Zealand First (2013) & Xinhua News Agency (2011)). 

So what is the government doing to address obesity and/or type 2 diabetes among children within New Zealand?

In 2003 the Labour government set up and funded a policy known as the ‘Obesity ActionCoalition’, which focused on lowering the rising numbers of the disease by educating society on making better decisions with regards to their health and nutrition.  National government has now done away with this policy as they believe that the money is able to be spent elsewhere to create this awareness.  The government is now suggesting that it would be more beneficial to reallocate the money into promoting physical activity among children and within schools.  National (2009) government has also scrapped the regulation of schools providing only healthy food options for children, therefore reintroducing unhealthy food choices.  Currently, the focus around this issue for the government is that of supporting healthy food at schools, but not making it a priority, and then also the implementation of new physical activity schemes for schools.

As identified, increase in physical activity does play a vital role in reducing the onset of obesity and type 2 diabetes, however educating the public, including parents and children on nutrition cannot be overlooked as crucial.  By educating parents and children on healthy lifestyles through nutrition contributes to empowering them through guidance in making long-term (lifelong) healthier lifestyles.

Sue Kedgley (Green Party, 2004) adds to this by stating that the idea of the government doing away with anti-obesity schemes is negligent as it removes the potential control and impact the government might have in educating families on these diseases and the effects of their choices on their health and in turn the rising numbers of the diseases.

Tony Ryall (National Government) has stated that the government is concerned about the rising numbers of these two epidemics, type 2 diabetes and obesity, and are focusing on providing clinical support and services in order to assist people suffering with these diseases.  He has suggested that they are doing so by funding necessary treatments, operations and specialised nursing staff to deal with these.  He advised that the government is focusing on increasing sport and physical activities in schools and decreasing the amount of advertising children are subjected to of unhealthy foods.  He did acknowledge that the government sees the value in nutrition education, but this does not seem to be a focus.

Another way government is able to support people in making these healthier food choices is by refocusing their attention to the food industry by addressing issues like fat tax and GST on fruit and vegetables.  After discussions with my peers, this seems to be an issue among some families.  It’s been suggested that it is cheaper to buy the unhealthier food options rather than the healthier, and in turn children are growing up being more familiar with the processed unhealthier nutrition options.

As making healthy food and nutrition choices seems to be of significance when it comes to preventing type 2 diabetes and obesity, the above focuses identified is of concern to me.  As children are our future and what we teach them now with regards to their health and wellbeing will make a significant impact to their future health.  I believe the government should be making it a priority to be educating society on the benefits of making healthy food choices and making it obtainable for people to exercise and demonstrate this type of lifestyle.  Their focus should be on preventing obesity and type 2 diabetes, instead of the treatment of these diseases.

Diabetes & Our Children

Diabetes & Our Children…

Extending on from my last blog, where it was identified that the numbers of Type 2 diabetes in children and teenagers are on the rise, Diabetes NZ confirms that although diabetes was seen as an adulthood disease it is now beginning to affect our children.

The increasing numbers of diabetes is that of Type 2, which, as previously identified, can be controlled and possibly prevented, through healthy food choices and regular exercise.  This is an issue that was not heard of years ago, as then the lives of children were generally more active.  It is for this reason the increase in type 2 diabetes, within children as young as 5, has risen.

Type 1 diabetes is still the most predominant form in children at the moment, however professor Sir George Alberti, states that within 10 years Type 2 will be the more dominant form, if we do not begin to do something about it.  Professor Paul Zimmet, extends on this by saying that this does not forecast a positive outcome for the next generation.  Should we as a population not get this disease under control, it could lead to earlier deaths and disabilities and other health complications for our young children.

It’s been suggested that “epidemics of obesity and the low level of physical activity among young people, as well as exposure to diabetes in utero” (Centres for disease control and prevention, 2012, para. 3.) could all be contributing factors to the increase of type 2 diabetes during childhood.   Furthermore, children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes usually have a family history of type 2 diabetes and have insulin resistance. 

These factors, such as being overweight and low physical activity in young children, could potentially suggest that it’s the issue of childhood obesity that is leading to the increase of the type 2 diabetes in children. 

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) “warns that the world is currently facing a twin epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes in young children”.  The IDF are calling out for something to be done urgently in order to gain control over the diseases and decrease the numbers of lives it’s affecting. American statistics are that 1 in 3 Americans born today are predicted to develop type 2 diabetes as a consequence of being overweight and obesity. 

Therefore if obesity is a major contributing factor to the onset of type 2 diabetes what are we, and the government doing to change these statistics as to the increase in numbers? 

Our community and in particular our children then need to be educated about obesity, encouraged and taught how to make healthy choices when it comes to food and physical activity.  The cost of the processed and ‘unhealthy’ foods vs that of the unprocessed ‘healthier’ foods is also of concern.  This together with the busier lifestyles of families, where it’s cheaper and easier to feed families the processed or ‘unhealthy’ foods, I believe is also a contributing factor to the rise in obesity statistics among not only children but the general population.

It’s not solely about being overweight, it’s about the long term health effects this lifestyle choice has on our population and in particular the future generation.

I would like to go on to look at what our government is doing in order to support the awareness of obesity and type 2 diabetes within our community and in particular among our children.  The government’s role is significant in creating awareness of these diseases as the result will be beneficial not only to the individual and their health but also the potential financial burden on society.

What is Diabetes and where do we stand?

What is Diabetes and where do we stand?

As it has been identified in my previous blog that diabetes is a rapidly increasing epidemic among societies around the world.  It is in my opinion a pivotal point to begin understanding this topic by defining Diabetes.

Diabetes has been described as “a condition in which the body does not make enough insulin or the body cells cannot use insulin properly”. 

Diabetes New Zealand states that presently there is no cure for this condition however it can be controlled and a person with Diabetes can still live a full and active life.

There are three types of diabetes, namely:

Type 1

The bodies of people with Type 1 Diabetes do not make any insulin (or very little).  Their pancreas’ has stopped making insulin, and their bodies are unable to use glucose for energy.  They therefore require insulin by injection, along with some dietary changes in order to control their condition.

Type 2

In people who have type 2 diabetes, the production of insulin is slow or their bodies may be resistant to insulin. “Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition in that the pancreas continues to get more sluggish over time” and people with this type may become dependent on insulin. 

It is believed that this type of diabetes is able to be treated and controlled by weight loss, physical activities and at times, tablets.  The statistics of this type of diabetes is the one that is increasing at an alarming rate and affecting majority of the population.

and

Gestational Diabetes (Diabetes of pregnancy)

Gestational diabetes is often formed in pregnant women who have high levels of glucose in their blood.
 

Diabetes Statistics

 

As per the inserted illustration, it has been identified that 285 million people are affected by diabetes world-wide and that it is the 5^th leading cause of death.  The statistics of Diabetes in New Zealand are as alarming, as Diabetes New Zealand states that more than 208,000 New Zealanders currently have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes with 50 new cases being diagnosed each day. 

Type 2 diabetes is known to be the type that is most common and is increasing at a rapid rate, this type is however the type that can be controlled by a healthy diet and exercise.  Type 2 diabetes is usually found in adults however the numbers are increasing in teenagers and children.

Diabetes statistics are significant among Pacific people and of the diabetes cases, 90% are Type 2.

My question then, is why are people not aware of these statistics and educated as to ways in which they are able to prevent the onset of this condition. 

The World Health Organisation suggests that the annual death toll of the condition already exceeds that of AIDS and is but only increasing.  They have put in place a campaign to educate people on healthy food choices. 

I believe, in order to target this condition and decrease the number of lives affected it would be beneficial to highlight the current statistics to society and the severe implications this condition might have.  Together with this information, informing people as to how they are able to prevent the condition through healthy lifestyles. 

It is my concern that if people do not acknowledge or act on preventing the onset of this condition it will affect more adult’s lives as well as the lives of the younger generation.  This condition has been described as being as serious as Cancer, a disease people are generally very familiar with, so why aren’t people aware of the significance of Diabetes?

Diabetes - A Modern Age Epidemic

Diabetes – A Modern Age Epidemic

 
I have chosen to research the topic of Diabetes as this is a disease that affects my family personally and one that is been described as a growing epidemic in New Zealand.

Carvill (2013) states that “Diabetes is internationally regarded as the most rapidly growing chronic disease of our time and health statistics show the number of Kiwis with diabetes has almost doubled in the past 10 years”.

It has been suggested that the diabetes epidemic can and will claim many kiwi’s lives and can potentially cripple the New Zealand health sector, if action is not taken to gain control over or prevent the disease.

By this information, I too, believe that this disease or epidemic is and should be of great concern to New Zealander’s and the New Zealand government as it affects both the lives of Kiwis and the operations and funding of the health sector, therefore should alarm policymakers and health funders (Coppell, 2013).

Through doing research on this topic, I would like to gain more understanding about the topic and gain insight as to how we as a nation can contribute towards preventing the disease within our population. 

I would like to investigate the causes of Diabetes and determine whether we are able to make a difference to society and the future statistics by educating, not only the general public, but directly the families, whanau and children we teach within early childhood.