NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE |
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In some cultures such as Cajuns, African American, Native American and Hispanic the prevalence of diabetes is high. These cultures use the concept of Fatalism. These cultures believe that diabetes and its complications are inevitable. The Fatalism excuse is used rather than having to change their behaviours. Friedman (1996) describes the lifestyle changes as that of �subsistence agriculture and active lifestyles to one featuring sedentary jobs with little exercise�. Friedman (1996) is saying that many of the cultures mentioned have had a shift from manual labour to sedentary jobs, but have not adjusted their life styles to match. �High levels of calories are still consumed by people who no longer work their bodies all day long� (Friedmand, 1996). The childhood diet builds the foundation for good health throughout life. The US Government has released a report that shows that fifty percent of lunchtime food for children at school is cookies, desserts, chips and candy. Pirisi (2001) states that childhood obesity is the most visible consequence of a diet lacking in healthy choices. Obesity is linked to many diseases such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and heart disease. Figures from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Diseases suggests that eleven percent of children between the ages of six and seventeen are overweight. The American Diabetic Association reports that between eight and forty-five percent of new cases of pediatric diabetes are type two and linked to obesity. Many parents of pediatric type one diabetic clients have expressed difficulty with diet and mealtimes for their children. As stated by Powers et al. (2002), younger children may have more difficulty adhering to a specific dietary plan. Powers et al. (2002) suggest that these children are having difficulty due to developmental issues such as increased insulin sensitivity, the child�s limited cognitive ability, changing food preferences, and emotional lability. These developmental issues translate into behavioural problems at mealtimes. The behavioural problems listed by the parents are takes longer than twenty minutes to finish meal, does not come readily to mealtime, would rather drink than eat, has a poor appetite, does not eat starches, and does not enjoy eating. The solutions to the behavioural problems suggested by Powers et al. (2002) are to provide two � three positive food choices each meal ( the child can choose alternate if does not want food being served) , also incorporate a reward system such as stickers or reward that can be earned by the child, by eating meals. The literature included information regarding culture differences and attitudes. Information about cultural diets and diabetes needs to be added to the literature. Also, literature regarding eating habits of �latch key� children and diabetes would be educational. Present day, many children have single parents and parents that work unusual hours. What type of nutrition and lifestyle is being maintained by those children? How well is their diabetes being managed? The study by Powers et al. (2002) was completed in questionnaire form. When evaluating problem behaviours, observations should be made along with the questionnaires. The questionnaires run a risk of being biased, as they are completed by the frustrated parents. |
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