| Abstrakt: |
The purpose of presentation was to discuss the childhood obesity crisis in rural Alaskan children, the role of the local WIC programs play in combating this crisis, and to explore factors that contribute to this health crisis and strategies to address it. Despite the fact that Alaska has the one the highest breastfeeding (2016 CDC) rates in the country, childhood obesity rates in SW Alaska is also one of the highest (up to 40% in SW AK for 2 to 4 yr olds). The breastfeeding and obesity link is well established in the literature. Wang, et al. indicated that up to a 42% decrease in childhood obesity was associated with mothers who breastfed more than 6 months (vs. never). Another primary contributor to childhood obesity is the intake of sugary drinks. Due to the remoteness of many Alaskan villages, water is often more expensive then carbonated sugary beverages. Unfortunately, this leads to an increased consumption of sugary drinks, which increases risk for tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, as well as many other preventable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
