- Price, Randi Roxanne
Summary
Childhood obesity has become a major health concern among American children. Children who are obese are more likely to have health problems as adults unless they change their diets. Tift County Family and Consumer Sciences agent collaborated with the Tift County School System and Tift Regional Medical Center to implement educational classes to teach children the importance of reducing intake of sugar in their diets. As a result of the program, ninety eight percent of children surveyed indicated they would consume less sugary drinks and would consume more water.
Situation
American children are under a constant bombardment of opportunities to consume sugary foods. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has significantly increased among children and adolescents over the past 30 years in the United States. Also, over one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese in 2012. Sugar consumption plays a large role in childhood obesity. Children who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults, increasing the risk for health problems. Schools for young children have an opportunity to provide a supportive environment that promotes healthy behaviors and encourages healthy eating habits to prevent chronic diseases in adulthood that result from poor eating or drinking habits. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/
Response
Over the last three years, the Tift County FACS agent collaborated with 6 local schools in Tift County to implement a program designed to educate 2nd graders on the importance of reducing sugar in their diets. A total of 2,250 students and 39 teachers were reached during 111 classes. Thirty minute lessons focused on consuming less sugar by reducing soft drinks and consuming more water. Visual aids were used to show students how much sugar is in common sugary drinks - sodas, sports drinks, tea and lemonade. Students were taught that they should only consume 3-4 teaspoons of added sugar in a day and that 10-12 teaspoons of added sugar are in one soda. Findings regarding sugar content in sports drinks were used to strengthen the lesson content the next year.
Impact
Students were surveyed before and after each lesson by a show of hands. Pre surveys indicated on average 70% were currently drinking one or more sodas a day. Survey results also indicated that on average 80% believed sports drinks are healthy and contain no sugar. Post program surveys showed that on average 98% of the students indicated that they would consume less sugary drinks and would consume more water. In 2015 Tift Regional Medical Center provided funds to purchase 750 water bottles which were given to the children in an effort to increase water consumption and reduce sugar intake. Annie Belle Clark School Children's comments from Ms. Pope's class the day after their sugar lesson: “I told my family to drink less sugar.” “I put water in my bottle.” “I showed my friend my bottle and told him to drink water.” “I told my family to check the sugar in their drinks.” Teacher's comments one year later: “My students were more aware of the choices they were making. Students loved the water bottles and used them daily.” Kristy Gibbs “We should definitely continue the sugar lessons! The students started reading the labels on their milk cartons and juice boxes in the lunchroom.” Beth Sellers
State Issue
Food, Nutrition and Health
Details
- Year: 2016
- Geographic Scope: County
- County: Tift
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Program Areas:
- Family and Consumer Sciences
Author
Extension Impact