By Scrubs: Any advice for nurses on motivating children to exercise and eat well?
Ellen: Motivating children to exercise and eat well is perhaps one of the biggest challenges to anyone in the healthcare field. Eating and exercise are influenced by so many factors that make it very difficult to penetrate to the very core of the problem. With today’s society being as culturally diverse as it is, there are more difficulties in helping people understand that they need to change current beliefs and habits. Change isn’t easy for most of us, and when people grow up where food is a big part of the family life, it’s very difficult for many to embrace what must be done.
Obesity is going to be an ongoing issue, and unfortunately with rather disturbing end results. I believe we’re going to see a continual rise in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and at younger ages. As school nurses, we are health educators first and foremost, and perhaps this is one of our biggest challenges. School nurses can influence the cafeteria selections, inform and instruct families, and serve as a resource to staff and administration.
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