A Plan to Slim Down Obese Kids

In four Santa Ana schools there is a new R and emphasis in the learning process. It’s the four Rs: Reading, Riting, Rithmetic--and Reducing.

The approach is part of a national campaign to reduce obesity in children. It’s also a valid part of the basic role of schools striving to give students knowledge that will help make their lives more productive and fulfilling. The interesting part of this anti-obesity effort is that it involves not only students but also parents. It also addresses ethnic cooking and eating customs as well as the modern-day problem of fast foods.

Those high-calorie and lard-laden foods have been identified as major contributors to the increase in obese, inactive children. The problem, however, is more prevalent in children from low-income families in Orange County, and especially in the Latino community, experts say.

County statistics show that 14.6% of all low-income children in the county are obese. That’s higher than the national average of about 10%. But in the county’s Latino community, 24.5% of children ages 10 to 12 are obese.

That unsettling statistic prompted the HealthCare Foundation of Orange County to provide a $169,000 grant to join Latino Health Access and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in launching a pilot program in several elementary schools where about 90% of the children are Latino and living below the poverty level.

The relationship between weight gain and increased risk for a host of diseases and ailments is well established. What is especially disturbing health officials is the growing incidence of diabetes in children. It’s all part of eating large portions of fast foods, not enough more-nutritious foods and too little physical activity.

The program being launched this month in Santa Ana seeks to bring together parents, school officials and possibly some of the fast-food chains that serve cafeterias to encourage exercise and changes in the kitchen--at school and at home. Eating habits last a lifetime, so it makes sense to try to teach healthful ones in school. It’s also a good lesson for all of us.