Obesity up, nutrition down
Experts say parents should teach children how to be healthy
PIERRE - Obesity levels in children and adults have been rising for the past few years, so schools and health care professionals are doing their parts to raise awareness of this problem by promoting healthy eating and exercise habits.
Kristin Biskeborn, the state nutritionist for the South Dakota Department of Health, said the main reason the levels are on the rise is because of people's eating habits.
"For one thing, the portions are
getting larger," Biskeborn said. "We're also drinking soda all day, which is basically just drinking calories. Also, families are busier so there's less time for the kids to play and get some physical activity."
Biskeborn said there is only one way to help alleviate this problem.
"Our whole social outlook has to change," she said.
And according to Biskeborn, this change must begin with parents.
"Parents have to be good role models in what they eat, and also in physical activity," she said. "Most of the time, we're just telling our children what to do, and not actually doing it ourselves."
Schools are also taking a step toward educating students about making healthy choices. They are also assisting the Department of Health by gathering data about the numbers of students who are overweight, or run the risk of becoming overweight.
A total of 229 schools across the state have been submitting student height and weight data for a survey each year since 1999. The data show 33 percent of South Dakota students were overweight or at risk of becoming so.
The Department of Health defines overweight as being above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and gender. Being at risk is ranking between the 85th and 94th percentiles.
Overweight children are more likely to have elevated blood pressure and insulin levels. They may also have risk factors or diabetes.
Schools are doing what they can to educate students about exercise and nutrition.
Krista Morris is the nurse at Jefferson Elementary and Georgia Morse Middle schools in Pierre. She said there are several activities in place to help educate students.
Morris said there have been several walking and running programs at the schools in the past and they will continue to hold them in the future. She also said the schools provide in-class education about eating healthier as well.
Another way schools are helping students make healthy choices is by providing more nutritional food during meals.
Morris said, "The kitchen makes healthier meals, and the kids have better selections for the a la carte lunches too. We're also staying away from soda machines, and concentrating more on water and juice."
Halloween is the perfect time for kids and their parents to be thinking about nutrition, Morris said.
"We need Halloween ideas that get away from food as the center," she said. "And if we do have food, we need to concentrate on healthy snacks or sugar-free candy."
Morris said getting parents involved in making nutritional decisions is essential. Biskeborn agreed.
"I would suggest setting aside a portion of each week to be used as family-fun time," Biskeborn said. "Enjoy the outdoors together, go for a walk. Even is it's just a half-day out of the week, do something."
Obesity up nutrition down 
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