As the primary operators of community-based health centers nurses are ideally positioned to influence the development of health policies and their implementation. The authors conclude that three key skills are essential for nurses. These include advocacy skills, collaborative leadership skills and social marketing skills for the successful implementation of the prevention and health promotion strategies. Strong advocacy skills coupled with positive action are the key to controlling the obesity epidemic. [Bobby Berkowitz, 2009]
Conclusion
The alarming increase in childhood obesity has serious healthcare and socioeconomic implications. Fast food culture and growing sedentary lifestyle (TV and videogames) have contributed to the obesity epidemic among children. As community care providers, nurses have an important role to play in containing this obesity problem from blowing into an unmanageable crisis. Nurses can help in early identification and effective management of weight problems. By a coordinated approach Nurses can help schools implement physical training and nutritional training programs and help promote healthy lifestyle modifications. As discussed above, Nurse led clinics that offer culture sensitive nutritional training, exercise programs, behavioral training and Coping Skills Training to both parents and the children promise best weight management outcomes. For this positive change to happen nurses should take a leadership role, which would necessitate the development of advocacy skills, collaborative leadership and social marketing skills.
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