I was researching recent media coverage on obesity in poor communities (particularly among the urban poor) and  the availability of healthy and nutritious food.  In doing so, I once again realized media attention on domestic poverty is almost nonexistent.  However, coverage of various issues relating to poverty abroad is in abundance.

Poverty in India, China, various regions in Africa, etc. are widely covered.  Yet, America’s poor, whether they live in urban, rural or suburban communities, are practically forgotten.

People living in poverty are more likely to be obese, thereby making diabetes, heart disease, asthma and other such illnesses also more prevalent.  These elements contribute to an overall shorter life expectancy for individuals living in poverty.

Sanjay Gupta, resident M.D. on CNN, recently hosted a segment on urban health and obesity.  He highlighted the fact that many grocers refuse to open chains in poverty stricken areas. He makes the indirect link that high poverty areas are also high crime areas.  The result – residents have little to no access to fresh fruits and vegetables, integral components to quality nutrition.  Yet, there is a fast food chain at every restaurant. Most corner stores boast chips, cookies and regular sodas. Most of the canned goods are extremely high in sodium.

Several school districts across the country have removed vending machines and revamped their lunch menus in order to address childhood obesity.  However, little headway can be made if parents are unable to provide their children with healthy and nutritious foods at home.  In fact, in some instances, parents have criticized the removal of vending machines.

It will be interesting to see how the new Obama Administration tackles the national health care crisis, particularly in poverty stricken areas. Issues of nutrition and obesity directly impact the larger health care crisis and vise versa.