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 OurBlook interview with Debbie Mandel, author of "Addicted to Stress" ... http://www.turnonyourinnerlight.com/
What are the pros of getting America's public schools involved or more involved in trying to combat childhood obesity?
DM: Children are shaped by their schools academically and socially. When schools become more involved in teaching children wellness, it will stay with them throughout their adult years. Physical education class should not be treated like an "orphan." Exercise alleviates anxiety, sheds stress, improves focus, creates personal empowerment and boosts the immune system. Children perform better academically when they exercise.
What are the cons?
DM: For me there are really no cons ... schools have to teach the whole child. Educators might say that there is so little time to teach the curriculum that something has to give ... like recess, phys ed, art and music. However, children come back better after exercise and they absorb the material much more quickly because exercise enhances synaptic connections in the brain. Also, a school should not be weighing their students or make obese children feel self-conscious. Eating balanced healthy meals and exercising should be aimed at both the overweight and the thin child. Did you know that one could be a "fat" skinny person ... the weight is good, but a sugary junk food diet deposits fat around the organs as opposed to subcutaneous fat. Fat around the organs is very unhealthy.
If school cafeteria lunches generally could be healthier and more nutritious, what has stopped them from being so? What can be done to improve them?
DM: Junk food is cheaper and children are brainwashed by commercials to seek it out. Then fatty, sugary or salty foods become addictive. Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables, frozen fruits and vegetables, cutting down on salt
and unhealthy fats by changing cooking styles, offering multi-grains and low fat dairy can work with the budget. Children respond to a rainbow array of colorful food and taste buds quickly adjust.
Is lack of education in the schools about nutrition a factor in the child obesity problem and if so, what can be done?
DM: Schools are overwhelmed and many teachers do not like change ... one more thing on the to-do list. Education and awareness about healthy living can lead to lifelong positive change. Children are fun loving, receptive and enjoy movement. Schools have worked hard to teach children the ABCs of things through the visual, auditory and motor planes. This is the next level for schools to return to basics: good nutrition and exercise. These life skills improve learning skills. Behavior will improve and teaching will actually get easier. Schools should not fear this kind of change.
You have said that schools "can make their own potent commercials about healthy eating to counteract TV." Can you tell us more about this idea and what impact you think it would have?
DM: Commercials are savvy in the way they create jingles and images that stick with the consumer. Schools can create their own jingles, dances, and videos about healthy eating and exercise. A school can hold a competition. The PA system could offer a health tip of the day.
British TV celebrity chef Jamie Oliver came to America last year and launched a Food Revolution campaign ... he worked with school lunch crews in Huntington, W.Va., to create meals with fresh ingredients instead of processed foods that bring on obesity. He even set up a cooking school there. Your thoughts?
DM: It's great when a celebrity gets on board because we are celebrity driven. However, a school can tap into the parent body, local hospitals and restaurants, where there are nutritionists and chefs who can do the same.
These questions have focused on the role of schools but is it fair to place the primary responsibility on them? Where do parents' child-raising responsibilities fit into this? Can't children take some responsibility themselves?
DM: Schools and parents are partners ... a team. Often in a team, one member carries the ball when the other is unable to do so. In an ideal world, parents and children would be able to handle it. However, parents are stressed and overworked ... depleted. Children are impulsive and hypnotized by commercials and get addicted to junk food ... fast food places are situated within a mile of a school in many locations. This is why the school needs to step in and help.
Are American public schools doing a good job with physical education classes and periods with a goal of reducing childhood obesity?
DM: American schools have sacrificed physical education classes for the curriculum.
Some schools are curtailing or even eliminating recess periods to concentrate more on academics. Your reaction?
DM: This is a mistake because it increases academic pressure and overwhelms students. Everyone needs a break from detailed work. There is great productivity in rest ... one comes back better, more creative. Exercise is the true brain balancer and reinforces learning. Children will learn more, remember the material more and perform better.
Is there anything else you'd like to say about childhood obesity and the role of schools in dealing with it?
DM: Schools have the potential to create a health revolution for children both physically and emotionally. Food and mood correlate highly. Exercise creates confidence ... a can-do mindset. Both generate lifelong health habits to
prevent type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and metabolic syndrome.
(One of the chapters in Debbie Mandel's book, published by Wiley and Sons, is called "Build a Healthy Body" where adults can learn the science of food and exercise. She hosts a health/fitness radio show on WGBB in New York City on Tuesday nights. She also is a stress-management specialist, mind/body lecturer, creator of an educational website, and the author of three self-help books. She has a B.A. from Brooklyn College and M.A. from NYU.)
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