7.NPA.3

What does this standard mean a child will know and be able to do?

7.NPA.3.1 Interpret the relationship between poor nutrition and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity.
Eating poorly is the ticket to health problems, sooner or later. Over-eating, under-eating, and yo-yo dieting often lead to nutrient excesses or deficiencies, eating disorders, electrolyte imbalance, cardiac arrhythmias, and negative feelings such as loss of control, low self-worth and depression. Over-eating also increases risk for obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Longer-term outcomes include clogged arteries, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, arthritis, and predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease. Childhood obesity produces social isolation, leaving victims open to teasing and bullying in school. Job discrimination, limited marriage opportunities, and increased poverty later in life may be additional social outcomes of obesity.

When trying to lose weight, considerations should be made for physical activity, additional daily movement, snacking choices, daily fluid intake, meal choices lower in fat and sugar, and limiting sauces, dressings, and condiments. Monitoring and substituting alternatives to emotional eating is essential. For gaining weight, eating more frequent meals and snacks of healthy choices (five or more times a day) is a better strategy than eating calorie-dense, low nutrient foods and huge meals.
 * The student will summarize short-term and long-term risks of poor eating patterns.
 * Using case studies, the student will successfully trouble shoot a subject’s approaches to weight loss, gain, or maintenance.
 * The student will implement effective strategies to support healthy weight loss, weight gain, or maintenance.

7.NPA.3.2 Attribute a positive body image to healthy self-esteem and the avoidance of risky eating behaviors.
When a person has a positive body image and healthy self-esteem, he or she is less likely to engage in risky eating or drinking patterns. However, the reverse is also true—risky patterns can lead to lower self-esteem and poorer body image. Self-esteem is acquired by developing competence such as skills and abilities that are recognized and valued by self and others. Body image is affected by one’s role models, feedback from peers and friends, media and culture.

While overall media’s impact on body image has been negative (feelings of inadequacy induces people to buy products), there have been recent efforts in programs and commercials to be more inclusive and diverse. Obese people are now shown in attractive clothes and playing some empowering roles. A societal trend toward stronger and more athletic women (as well as men) continues to grow, allowing everyone to appreciate themselves for their unique strengths and characteristics.
 * The student will discuss factors that impact self-esteem and body image.
 * The student will discuss trends in media related to body image, citing positive and negative examples in print and video.
 * The student will explore ways to be an advocate for realistic body image in self and others.