Diary of a Poet.: Too Fat for the Family?

I?ve been hearing reports of states and counties across America making the decision to remove severely obese children from their homes and place them in foster care. While I completely understand the severity of the situation and the negative health repercussions that can stem from obesity, I am appalled at such decisions for several reasons.

????????? The psychological impact of removing a child from their home, their family and their familiar surroundings may have a negative impact on their lives

????????? The foster care system is riddled with abusers, sexual predators and other harmful situations. Placing children into these homes, where social workers often neglect to supervise as regularly as they should, may be placing the child in greater physical, social and emotional harm

????????? Rather than punishing the family for their lack of knowledge about nutritional health and exercise, the money spent on foster care could be spend on family or community education, or personal home visits from nutritionists and dietitians to teach the families how to reduce obesity and live healthier lives

????????? Studies have shown that 1 in four Black children are obese, more than any other race. With the existing break down of the black family that has trickled down since slavery, the post slaver era, the crack epidemic, and educational failures, this would be another unfortunate and detrimental blow to many black families as they would be disproportionately affected by such drastic measures.

I don?t believe in complaining without offering possible solutions, so here are a few ideas that would be more helpful.

????????? Increased awareness about obesity, causes, prevention and treatment throughout at risk communities

????????? Added sports and fitness programs in schools for obese children

????????? Mandatory parenting classes, nutrition classes and health classes for parents of severely obese children

????????? Healthier school lunch programs and the removal or limiting of so many fast food restaurants in inner cities and at risk neighborhoods

????????? Increased education for children about nutrition, health and fitness

This is just my two cents on the topic. I hate to see families torn apart and punished rather than being educated and given an opportunity to change.

Source: http://carmeliciouss.blogspot.com/2012/02/too-fat-for-family.html

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