Editor’s note: This commentary is by Elzbieta Zakrzewska, a student in Graduate Certificate in Public Health program at the University of Vermont.
Health statistics are alarming. Our kids are getting overweight, they use nicotine products, and they might be the first generation in the United States that will live shorter lives than their parents. About 300,000 deaths per year may be attributable to obesity. More than 440,000 deaths annually are linked to tobacco use. It is as if more than the whole population of Vermont would die every year from diseases related to smoking or obesity.
Over 12 percent of children age 2-5 and 18 percent of those of age 6-19 are obese. More than 600,000 middle school students and 3 million high school students smoke cigarettes. The percentage of high school students who had ever used e-cigarettes rose from 4.7 percent in 2011 to 10 percent in 2012.
Why is it so difficult to overcome these two health problems? The solution to obesity seems to be simple and straightforward: we need to move more and eat less. The key to reducing the tobacco use is to never start smoking in the first place. Sounds simple? Right. So why are we in this health crisis?
We can blame unhealthy foods, or sweetened drinks. We can blame easy access to tobacco products or lack of government money for health initiatives.
Our kids are smart and intelligent. Without doubt they know the dangers of nicotine addiction; they understand that being overweight is not only unhealthy, but it is not cool. Yet the statistics show the disturbing trends. Our kids overeat or engage in other risky behaviors. Why?
It is our job to protect our children, and we need to realize that if we do not act now our kids will not only suffer from poor physical health, but will be targets of systematic social discrimination leading to low self-esteem.
Research shows that often when we are stressed we will soothe ourselves with food, nicotine, alcohol or other drugs. Food and many drugs, including nicotine, act on the same brain region that is responsible for satisfaction. For the brain it does not matter whether someone inhales nicotine, eats a snack or is being otherwise rewarded. Inhaled nicotine triggers dopamine signalling. Food, happiness, exercise or feeling of accomplishment and pride all cause release of dopamine. Many brain functions involve dopamine, among them learning, voluntary movement, reward and motivation. Higher dopamine levels cause enjoyment and make us want to continue or repeat the activity. Interestingly, the same brain region acts when we are stressed, sad or depressed.
There is no question that children are stressed and overworked. To satisfy the ever growing expectations, kids these days work hard at school and work part-time jobs in the evenings. They have to be leaders in school clubs and are expected to volunteer countless hours. These spiraling demands reflect what is needed these days to get to a good college, get a dream job or simply earn parental or teacher approval.
However, research shows a strong link between working after school and adolescent tobacco use or unhealthy eating. Young workers may resort to cigarette use in order to take breaks from duties and tasks they are required to perform at work, or to cope with the stresses of balancing the responsibilities of being a student and a worker. Often they mimic other adult workers’ behavior. Because of long evening hours they may have no opportunities to eat meals with their families and instead they survive on snacks and soda. In addition, part-time working teens shift their priorities when it comes to after-school time. Physical activities, favorite hobbies or family meals become less important compared to increased homework loads and part-time jobs. Research suggests that the late sleep patterns (another side effect of working late) are positively associated with obesity.
It is our job to protect our children, and we need to realize that if we do not act now our kids will not only suffer from poor physical health, but will be targets of systematic social discrimination leading to low self-esteem. This in turn can hinder their success in overcoming lifelong challenges.
So, this weekend, let us plan for a healthy family meal, and let us tell our children that we see and appreciate their efforts, and that we love them very much. Let them know that it is OK to pause and take a break or slow down.
