OPINION:
We are failing our children when it comes to health care. One shocking fact highlights this problem: Nearly 80% of Americans ages 17-24 would require a waiver to qualify for military service because of factors such as obesity, drug use, and mental and physical health issues, according to a report by the Pentagon.
A report released this month by the JAMA Network showed that “temporal trends from 2007 to 2023 have significantly worsened for child mortality; chronic physical, developmental, and mental health conditions; obesity; sleep health; early puberty; limitations in activity; and physical and emotional symptoms.” In particular, obesity rates for those younger than 19 have climbed to 21%. Obesity is the second most preventable cause of cancer, after cigarette smoking, in the United States.
The report also found that children are 15% to 20% more likely to have anxiety, depression and sleep apnea than they were a decade ago.
A separate report in Southern California showed a nearly 60% increase in depression and a 31% increase in anxiety from 2017 to 2021. The study noted that the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have exacerbated the problem, with studies indicating even higher rates of depression and anxiety.
In May, the Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., released a report that provided greater detail about these and other concerns. The commission particularly noted the negative impact on children in the United States.
So, what can we do?
Ban junk food purchases using food stamps
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has approved waivers for six states for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to restrict the purchase of particular food and beverage items. Before these waivers, people were prohibited from using food stamps to purchase alcohol, tobacco, hot and prepared food, and personal care products.
So far, the waivers exclude items such as candy, soda and energy drinks. Going forward, federal and state government officials should consider ways to limit processed foods from eligibility as well.
The commission report noted that roughly 60% of SNAP participants receive Medicaid. It is in the taxpayers’ interest that people receiving food assistance are given healthy choices.
Make school lunches healthy again
Similar standards should apply to district eligibility for school lunch assistance. Studies show that healthier school lunch programs help boost academic performance, improve physical and mental health, and increase food security for students.
The commission noted that most American children consume a diet dominated by ultra-processed foods high in added sugars, chemical additives and saturated fats while lacking sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables. This diet has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Schools that receive federal school lunch subsidies must follow a meal pattern limiting sugars, sodium and carbohydrates, so why not limit ultra-processed foods?
Require 60 minutes of daily physical exercise in schools
The U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. According to data from the National Survey of Children’s Health and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, only 20% to 28% of 6- to 17-year-olds meet this requirement.
Several surveys raise real concerns about the amount of time children spend in front of screens. One study mentions that children ages 8-18 spend more than seven hours per day in front of a screen. In contrast, the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan found that the average child age 6-17 spent only seven minutes each day in unstructured outdoor playtime, down by 50% from 20 years ago.
Ban cellphones in schools
Studies show schools that implemented cellphone prohibitions had improved student test scores, with particularly significant gains among low-achieving students. This makes sense, as the bans help improve academic focus and remove major distractions in the classroom.
Studies also show that excessive cellphone use, particularly on social media platforms, can increase anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness among young people. Addiction is often a feature of isolation. The bans also help enhance student social interaction, leading to stronger interpersonal skills and more robust relationships.
Looking back, I can remember when we played outside all day and spoke directly to our friends. It turns out that wasn’t just nostalgic; it was also good for our physical and mental health.
Banning junk food from SNAP benefits, making school lunches healthy again, requiring 60 minutes or more of physical exercise for students each day and banning cellphones in schools are some of my recommendations that should be easy to implement at the federal, state and local levels.
We owe it to our children to help them be healthy again.
• Scott Walker is a columnist for The Washington Times. He was the 45th governor of Wisconsin and launched a bid for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. He lives in Milwaukee and is the proud owner of a 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King. He can be reached at swalker@washingtontimes.com.
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