African and Latin Americans are at a higher risk of developing diabetes heart disease, stroke and a host of other medical conditions. It is imperative that African American and Spanish children began exercising regularly and eat healthy. The highest groups of children with type 2 diabetes are obese, and the majorities of these children are African-Americans.
Blacks make up 10 percent of the population, but are disproportionately affected by obesity. About 21 percent of Black children, (Black girls especially) suffer from obesity, while about 12 percent of White children are obese. Several things contribute to obesity, including genetics, cultural influences, low income, and lifestyle factors such as inactivity and poor eating habits. Numerous obese children are from urban, low-income families that don't have access to nutritional foods; also, Blacks tend not to view obesity as a big problem. Several professionals say more people are needed to tackle this epidemic. Schools must be encouraged to return to recess and physical education classes. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes this problem, and has been offering physical education program grants to schools and community organizations to help initiate, expand or improve physical education programs for children kindergarten through 12th grade. "Physical education and physical activity have to be an integral part of a child's development," says Eunice Moore, Director of the Office of Health and Physical Education of the Detroit Public Schools. "We have a critical issue with obesity. The obesity concern is not just physical activity, its nutrition, its access to areas where kids can engage in physical activity or physical education or sports or just play." Parents, teachers and other role models can help fight obesity by setting a good example. When key adults began to practice healthy living the children will follow suit. Children do as you do, they don’t do as you say so you must set the example. You must become health conscious, and practice what you preach.Below is a partial list of conditions which can be positively impacted by regular exercise: ·Type I and Type II Diabetes ·Clinical Depression ·Stress ·Asthma ·Cholesterol. ·Weight loss and control.
