What is obesity?
Obesity is when your body stores unused energy as body fat.

What are the reasons for obesity in children?

There are many causes of childhood obesity nowadays, but the main factors of this epidemic would be the food choices that people make, the insufficient exercise and also hereditary factors.

Is obesity only a national problem? · What do statistics show?

Childhood obesity is increasing all around the world. Statistics show that in Australia, one in five children and adolescents are either overweight or obese [and] it was predicted that 65 per cent of young Australians will be overweight or obese by 2020. (Better Health Channel 2010).

What is making worse the obesity problem?

Changing society has contributed to obesity and has led people to either eating more or/and to becoming less active.

Does obesity have an impact on children’s health? If yes, explain how?

Yes, there are many health issues that affect children and the most common types are: type 2 diabetes, liver problems and respiratory issues.

What are the other impacts caused by obesity in children?

Other impacts that affect children with childhood obesity is suffering from low self esteem and withdrawing from social life.

What is the treatment?

Treatments are many for this condition: is to see an accredited practicing dietitian, a doctor and access to a help line.

The Australian, September 10, 2010, Health and Science


Flu Jab Link to Toddler's Death

Notes:
. A toddler found dead after having the flu jab
. Coroner carried out autopsy to find the cause of death
. The vaccine was implicated with a rash
. Vaccine delayed until the children are 5 years of age instead of 2 years

Summary:

A two-year-old girl was found dead in her cot on April 9, just 24 hours after receiving the flu vaccine. On completion of the investigation a Brisbane coroner could not link the cause of death and also could not exclude the vaccine being the main cause. The toddler's death was in the same month as when the vaccine was involved in a rash of child sickness around the country. Due to that a decision was made to delay giving the vaccine for children under 5 years of age.

Personal Reflection:

Negligence of this magnitude has no place in our times. In this day and age technology has superceded all our expectations and hence mistakes like this should not be tolerated by the public and the parents of the victims.

Auburn Newspaper, Tusday 7, 2010 Revew Pictorial p. 3

Students get gardening lesson

Notes:

Bunnings Warehouse is conducting a garden makeover project in schools.
Students are learning the benefits of gardens and how to sustain them.

Summary:

The staff of Bunnings Warehouse is getting involved in school gardening activities which involves both teachers and students at the schools. The main aim of this project is to teach students the benefits of these gardens by planting native trees, vegetable plots and trim the bushes. Methods such as installing bird netting and building compost bins taught students the simplicity of maintaining a garden.

Personal reflection:

This is a wonderful initiative that should be rolled out to other schools nationally. The state government upon seeing the benefits should encourage and provide some valuable funding to ensure the project is a success.

Newspaper Article

Parramatta Advertiser, page 34, Wednesday, 25 August, 2010.

Hands-on Science to Excite Kids

Notes:

• Lots of different schools took part in 'Science in the City'.


• Students participated in a variety of workshops.

Summary:

Science in the city celebrated its tenth year with more than 100 schools attending. It was the largest science event in Australia this month. Students participated in a variety of workshops, which involved different types of activities, like renewable energies, genetics and a unique opportunity to have a moment in science with Dr Karl.

Personal Reflection:

Science is an important subject and it's encouraging to see students put up their hands to research this area. Thus allowing these students to progress in important fields such as Medical and health. Conducting these activities with a hands on approach is a good opportunity for the students to develop their skills in the application of science. You go Australia.