| October 2004 Missouri Regional Newsletter p.11 |
| Case Study Challenge |
| continued from page 10 Sample Case Study: This sample case study was a winner in last year�s challenge. Case Study Title: Obesity: An American Epidemic Article Information: Please provide the information requested below for the 4-5 USA TODAY articles (from the printed newspaper) you�ve selected which were published between July 1, 2003 and February 1, 2004, focusing on a news topic relating to �Directions of Health: Choices in the Maze,� Phase II of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Study Topic. Article headline: Obesity rate could reach nearly 40% in five years Obesity is growing at epidemic Byline (reporter(s)� name(s): Nanci Hellmich USA TODAY publication date: February 7, 2003 Section (News, Money, Sports or Life): News USA TODAY page number: 4A Article headline: No way to go through life Byline (reporter(s)� name(s): Nanci Hellmich USA TODAY publication date: November 26, 2002 Section (News, Money, Sports or Life): Life USA TODAY page number: 6D Article headline: McDonald's losses reflect nation's changing tastes Byline (reporter(s)� name(s): Bruce Horovitz USA TODAY publication date: January 24-26, 2003 Section (News, Money, Sports or Life): Money USA TODAY page number: 1B Article headline: Larger portions bring larger appetites Byline (reporter(s)� name(s): Nanci Hellmich USA TODAY publication date: January 22, 2003 Section (News, Money, Sports or Life): News USA TODAY page number: 1A Article headline: Byline (reporter(s)� name(s): USA TODAY publication date: Section (News, Money, Sports or Life): USA TODAY page number: Summary Statement: Your one-page case study summary statement should outline your topic, any issue or controversy about this topic and how the case study examines these issues. Americans are gaining weight at an alarming rate. Studies show that approximately 59 million people are obese and that number is expected to grow to 65 million over the next five years. Medical experts now consider obesity to be at epidemic proportions. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and hypertension and shortens a person's lifespan. The ramifications of these statistics are not just relegated to health issues. There are economical, social, and psychological aspects to consider as well. Why are we gaining weight so rapidly? One reason could be Americans look t pay less and get more. The fast-food industry has made its meals more appealing to the public by offering larger portions for bargain prices. It is difficult for many of us to resist or split a super-sized meal. Doing so would save us money and another notch on the belt. continued on page 12 |