Childhood, Adolescent, and Teenage Obesity: Recommendations for Community Initiatives in Central Harlem

Abstract

Because of poverty, the high prevalence of obesity, and the lack of adequate supports, Central Harlem's children, adolescents, and teenagers are at risk for major physiological, psychological, and social issues. This article discusses the public health concerns related to this population, especially the prevalence of obesity. This article identifies the prevalence of illness and obesity in the inner city and stipulates the causes and consequences of obesity among children, adolescents, and teenagers. In addition, it reports on the appropriate community intervention, using a coalition and a community collaborative organization that serve as models to build support for Central Harlem. A proposal is offered for reducing obesity among youths in the community. The intervention outlines a logic model that identifies a multi systemic approach at the micro and macro level for community intervention and policy initiatives to advocate for fundamental change. Further research recommendations are described to reduce the prevalence of childhood, adolescent, and teenage obesity in urban communities.

Exploring the cultural intersection of music, sport and physical activity among at-risk youth

“…Karpati et al (2003) state residents of Harlem have markedly higher rates of illness and mortality when compared to the greater area of New York City. Maidenberg (2016) claims that obesity and diabetes are more prevalent in Harlem due to a high crime rate and lack of funding for physical education in the public school system. Our research adds to the discussion on how some SFD organizations in Harlem are attempting to combat the health, political, and economic disparities that have beset the neighborhood for generations.…”

“…According to Maidenberg, a high prevalence of poverty and the lack of adequate financial support means that “Harlem’s children, adolescents, and teenagers are at risk for major physiological, psychological, and social issues” (2016: 85). Childhood and adolescent obesity is an epidemic in the United States, especially for urban youth of African American descent (Thorpe et al, 2004).…”

“…ethnic minority children in the United States who are at particular risk of cardiovascular disease due to their genetic dispositions (Davis et al, 2000) are further impaired by an absence of physical education and exercise opportunities. As such, physicians and researchers are calling for new interventions and programs tailored specifically to assist populations of African American youth and improve their overall physical wellbeing (Maidenberg, 2016).…”

Social Media Based STEM Enrichment Curriculum Positively Impacts Rural Adolescent Health Measures

“…Individuals participating in obesity treatment programs have improved their health and adherence to program objectives by surrounding themselves with others who are working toward similar goals (Giannini et al, 2017). By establishing a support group, individuals can improve their health outcomes (Maidenberg, 2016). A 2013 scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) reviewed the role of social networks and the use of social media approaches in childhood obesity prevention and management, and found that social media interventions can be used to build on existing social networks or to build new networks (Li et al, 2013).…”

Examining geographic, neighborhood composition, and household factors associated with primary food store selection

“…Some researchers have worked to better understand the factors associated with not having enough food to meet monthly household needs-known as food insecurity (Fitzpatrick & Coleman-Jensen, 2014;Slack & Yoo, 2005;Turney, 2014). Others have suggested the use of macro interventions to combat food access inequalities, including community-based participatory research (Jacobson, 2007) and coalition building (Maidenberg, 2016), to improve food access at the community level. Social work research has also been concerned with the effectiveness of social welfare programs such as SNAP (Issar, 2010;Mills, Dorai-Raj, Peterson, & Alwang, 2001;Mosley & Tiehen, 2004;Zedlewski & Rader, 2005) and WIC (Jacknowitz & Tiehen, 2009) that seek to provide additional resources to vulnerable households.…”