Welcome to the Child Nutrition and Health Resource Page!
The Pennsylvania Dietetic Association (PADA) has a history of advocating for child nutrition issues. Today, one of the most serious health-related problems facing our youth is that of overweight and obesity. In Pennsylvania , some 17.4% of our youth are overweight with an additional 17.2% at risk for becoming overweight. Overweight in childhood and adolescence has been associated with increased risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), elevated lipid levels (i.e. cholesterol and triglyercides), type II (commonly known as adult onset) diabetes, early atherosclerotic lesions and increased risk of adult obesity and obesity-related morbidities and mortality in adulthood.
In response to the growing number of overweight and obese children in our state, PADA members have joined forces with the Pennsylvania for Healthy Kids state team as part of Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (PANA). A major initiative of the state team is the Keystone Healthy Zone (KHZ) School Recognition Campaign, which will be launched at Action for Healthy Kids Summit on March 10, 2004 . In addition to working with schools, dietitians are involved on the PANA Healthcare Executive Committee whose charge is to help prepare healthcare professionals to respond to the growing demand for the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity among youth.
We have prepared the following list to aid parents and educators in finding reliable of nutrition and health resources information. Working together, we can help create an environment at home and at school that values good health as a key to a productive and happy future.
Yours in Good Health,
Susan Gargano, MS, RD, LDN
PADA President 2003-2004
Please click on the links below for helpful facts and corresponding websites.
FACTS ABOUT KIDS EATING PATTERNS
FACTS ABOUT KIDS ACTIVITY PATTERNS
FACTS ABOUT KIDS WEIGHT PATTERNS
YOUTH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
CHILD NUTRITION CONSULTANTS IN PENNSYLVANIA
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