Health Practice Tools

The past three decades have seen a startling increase in obesity rates among American children. Recent statistics show that one-third of U.S. children and adolescents (more than 22 million) are overweight or obese1 (Ogden, 2009). In the past 30 years, the obesity rate has doubled among young children ages 2 to 5 and adolescents ages 12 to 19, and has tripled among children ages 6 to 11 (Institute of Medicine, 2006). Obese children are being diagnosed with health problems previously considered to be “adult” illnesses, such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2009). 

The past three decades have seen a startling increase in obesity rates among American children. Recent statistics show that one-third of U.S. children and adolescents (more than 22 million) are overweight or obese1 (Ogden, 2009). In the past 30 years, the obesity rate has doubled among young children ages 2 to 5 and adolescents ages 12 to 19, and has tripled among children ages 6 to 11 (Institute of Medicine, 2006). Obese children are being diagnosed with health problems previously considered to be “adult” illnesses, such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2009). 

For over two decades, our work with individuals, families, couples, and communities has provided the opportunity for the social work profession to respond to the increased need for HIV/AIDS related services across diverse practice settings. Working as clinicians, administrators, case/care managers, educators, and as volunteers, social workers have provided—and continue to provide—expertise through research, policy, and direct services.

The United States is known for its ability to provide the most advanced health care that medical science can offer. Even with the notable progress in medical advancement, there remain persistent disparities in the burden of illness and mortality experienced by African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asians, and Pacific Islanders, compared to the U.S. population as a whole.

Trey was an active 11-year-old boy having fun at a friend’s birthday party, when a tree limb fell in a strong wind and hit his head, causing a massive head injury. Immediately, Trey became unconscious and his nose began bleeding. His parents and 911 were called. Emergency medical technicians arrived and attempted to resuscitate Trey. His parents, Marjorie Helm and Chip Atkin, who are social workers, also arrived to attend to their only child.