Tackle food deserts to address a health crisis

Type 2 diabetes primarily affects adults, children all over the country are growing up condition at an astonishing speed. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body builds insulin resistance This is necessary to help the body regulate blood sugar. The disease can be life-altering and pose an extreme threat to a person’s health and well-being. Therefore, preventing diabetes in children is essential.

Childhood obesity is an important factor The increasing prevalence of childhood type 2 diabetes and the current One third of American children are overweightSpecifically, in Connecticut, 15.3% of children aged 10-17 suffer from obesityIn most cases, childhood obesity can be prevented by: healthy eating and regular exerciseHowever, in many low-income communities where childhood obesity rates are highest, many caregivers do not have the means or resources to prevent their children from contracting diseases such as diabetes.

in the meantime Physical activity is an important preventive measuremany children also need access to affordable and healthy food. Connecticut is known to be in short supply Full-service grocery stores in underserved areas like HartfordFinding affordable and healthy food options can be very difficult for families experiencing poverty, which leads to health inequalities.People living in the North End of Hartford have lower life expectancies than those living in West Hartford, so these health disparities are found closer to home. 16 to 20 years old.

individuals and families who are part of nutritional supplement program is not always advantageous. These food stamp programs aim to increase access to food, but they are not the only solution. Some stores raise prices This leaves the customer with an amount they can’t afford to pay, leaving them with limited funds at the end of the month. The lack of this nutritious option is one. Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetesChildren eat what their parents provide. If parents have no choice but to provide cheap processed food, children have to eat it.

Molly McManus

Children can be served healthy meals while schools are open. Connecticut National School Breakfast and Lunch Programprovides free or discounted lunches to children in need. However, because the program requires parents to submit an application for admission, some families may be reluctant to ask for help or even be completely unaware of the existence of these programs. are struggling to provide healthy options in their homes, and when children are unable to eat at school, they are left eating unhealthy meals that are cheap and affordable options. Much more needs to be done to ensure that children have access to affordable and nutritious food options while in school.

For individuals living in food deserts who do not have easy access to full-service grocery stores, corner stores should provide easy access to healthy options. , Corner stores can be provided with coordinated community support to improve the products they offer. Provide fresh food at affordable prices that low-income families can afford. By reducing existing barriers such as cost and lack of transportation, more people may be more inclined to participate in healthy eating habits. We need community resources. If street corner stores replaced unhealthy snacks with affordable, nutritious options, it would greatly expand the group of people who could provide healthy meals for their families.

We must fight for affordable, nutritious food options for children who have no power or choice over their future health.

Mollie McManus is a junior at Sacred Heart University, a Health Sciences major with a specialization in public health, and plans to become a Physician Assistant.

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Tackle food deserts to address a health crisis

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