Tuesday morning in the Bronx

Yesterday I again traveled up to the Bronx to photograph a Nutrition and Health Workshop group. They were graduating from their eight week program and receiving certificates and sharing smiles. Some of the women also shared stories of how the classes have helped them in their daily lives. Many of the stories were similar—they related how the classes have helped them to make “healthier food choices” and had opened their eyes to safety concerns. The most profound thing about the stories was hearing how much confidence and pride came from learning ways to help them. This is the same kind of empowerment that I hope to create when I teach or relay nutrition messages.
Coming back downtown from the Bronx, I made some observations while on the subway. (I find the subway a superb place to think and observe, mainly because one is in an enclosed, microenvironment with other humans who are doing the very same thing, I think). There were six girls, 13 or 14 years old, on their way to Coney Island by the looks of the towels in hand and bathing suit strings visible beneath t-shirts. Although young, each of them was somewhat overweight. This was in stark contrast to the very thin people I’ve grown accustomed to seeing around Manhattan.
I pondered the influence of history and tradition as it weaves through our nation’s food consumption. I speculated that perhaps the girls being overweight was a function of fresh foods not being available where they and their parents shop. Also, there is the factor that their parents cook foods that they have cooked for generations, and many of these eating patterns may not be entirely health supportive. As I am learning, it is not enough to simply tell people “eat more fruits and vegetables.” They need access, as well as strategies, that fit into varying cultures, in order to do this. Exercise and physical activity are also so important. Kids need positive messages, and access to space, so they are encouraged to exercise. It is important to bring these messages to adults too! If parents see the value of living healthier lives, this can translate into their interactions with their children.