Approximately one-third of children and teens ages 2-19 in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese.
In the State of Tennessee, 36.5% of children ages 10 to 17 are overweight or obese. This is one of the major focus areas of Preventive Health Initiative. We partner with Pediatricians, School Systems, and other nonprofit organizations in order to provide preventive health services to this age group. Our services are also available to the general public with no referral needed.
An increase in electronic based activities such as prolonged time spent playing video games and internet social media use has caused a trend toward more sedentary lifestyles. In addition, poor dietary habits are causing an epidemic of childhood obesity and the development of chronic health conditions much earlier in life. A new study in JAMA Pediatrics, has revealed the number of kids aged 12 to 19 who have prediabetes has increased from 11.6% in 1999-2002 to 28.2% in 2015-2018. Poor diet and the increased consumption of blood-sugar-raising foods that contain added sugars, and simple carbohydrates fuels the path to diabetes. In addition, only about 25% of teens get the minimum recommended daily physical activity of at least one hour of moderate to vigorous activity every day.
The good news is prediabetes is reversible. Our organization works both with teens individually as well as with the entire family to achieve better health by improving habits and lifestyle.
Other major issues for our youth include:
- Depression
- Poor self esteem
- Body image issues
- Lack of confidence
When most people think of poor mental health, the first thing that comes to mind is counseling or an antidepressant medication, but In the vast majority of mild to moderate cases, better habits and lifestyle changes are all that is necessary. Research studies have proven that regular exercise can be at least as effective as depression and anxiety medication.
Preventive Health provides a complete wellness solution administered by a licensed health professional.
- exercise education
- exercise training
- nutrition education
- health education
- time management
- habit & lifestyle intervention
References:
Tennessee - State obesity data
Prevalence of Prediabetes Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States, 2005-2016
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2755415
Exercise for the treatment of depression and anxiety
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21495519/
