So pretty much this week I've been working on my annotated bibliography. I feel like Thursday's peer editing session went greeatt. But I'm still really nervous about this paper. We've done so much reading and writing to prepare for this paper buuutt I won't be at ease until I at least write a rough draft and definitely meet the length requirement. As soon as I get to that point I know it's smooth sailing. I've been having some trouble searching for more sources. I seem to be finding the same thing over and over again. Time, effort, and patience are three things I definitely need right now. Patience probably being the most. You know that stupid saying "Patience is a virtue"..... I hate it. I've heard it so many times.. It's not good advice haha. Spring break won't be much of a break for me schoolwise - at least I get to sleeeeeeep! There's always a brightside!

Goodnight and until next time =]

How can we improve?

Who/what are the negative influences impacting obesity?
What are some positive ways to improve adolescent eating habits?
Who/what has the most impact on teens and their eating habits?

In my research paper I will answer all of these questions and search for sources accordingly. The most recent article I've picked up is called

"Improving adolescent eating habits and prevention of child obesity: Are we neglecting the crucial role of parents?" - Jennifer A. O'Dea

This article helps me answer question 3. I believe that parents have the most impact on their children and their eating habits. They ultimately provide the food within the house, and monitor what their child eats. If a parent works often and has multiple responsibilities, he/she may resort to fast food often. I also like this article because O'Dea stresses the fact that adolescents are growing. Their bodies haven't reached a mature, stagnant state, therefore they need nutrients -- vitamins and minerals! Nutritents allow for optimal growth, while unhealthy eating habits potentially lead to diseases related to an insufficient amount of nutrients within the body. O'Dea says that focusing on the benefits of healthy eating in educating teenagers is more effective than focusing on the negative factors.

I could use this article to expand on question 3, and I could also use this article to showcase positive ways to educate adolescents.

Hmmm..

So at first I thought my focus would be on parents and their influence on adolescents, but I think I may expand to all of the influences teens face when it comes to their eating habits.

I found another article that focuses on the genetics of the issue.

"Obesity in young Europeans: genetic and environmental influences"
by : JA Martinez

I feel like this is a good source because there is a common misconception that genetics will ultimately decide whether or not one is overweight. This is true only to an extent. Yes, genetics decide who is more likely to store fat and where fat is stored, but if one partakes in a healthy lifestyle and exercises regularly they avoid being overweight and all of the consequences that are to follow. I could also use this source to provide evidence that environmental factors affect how often you eat and how much exercise you get - occupation, school, work, food availability.

Brososke's: Prove Your Case

Brososke created an effective analogy for students to use when writing their research paper. He asserts that students should compare it to a lawyer and his/her court case.

• First you must frame your case (develop your thesis)
• Second you must search for evidence to defend your thesis (sources)
• Third, present your evidence (write your paper)
• Lastly, close your argument (conclusion of your paper)

This analogy is considerably different than the shopping cart analogy provided in class :) However, I don't feel as if I've been given any new information. I do agree with Brososke when he says that students should gather as many sources as possible - the more evidence you have, the more to report. So I plan on researching diligently to make sure I meet the paper guidelines. On another note, I think Brososke should have mentioned that your research paper shouldn't just be research compiled together. The "evidence" that you are searching for should merely stand to support your OPINION - which, of course, is your thesis. I'm sure he clarified this in class when proposing his analogy to his students, but for some it may be unclear. I know it was for me at the beginning of the semester.

Researchinggg

So far my research process is going pretty well.. I found a lot of useful information at the library with the help of the librarian - I realized that I wasn't exactly searching for sources properly and the tutorial ended up helping me in two of my classes (I have to write a research essay in my sociology class too). As I'm reading and researching, I'm coming up with more ideas for my paper, and it is somewhat allowing me to relax. I will never be fully relaxed until the rough draft is due though, bc then I know I will have a full paper written out and all it will need is some touching up. The annotated bibliography is at the back of my mind toooo. We will see how well this goes. =]

Source: Parenting Styles and Treatment of Adolescents with Obesity - Susann Regber, Kristina Berg-Kelly, Staffan Madrid

This article provides the definition of obesity, adequate health consequences, and influential contributing factors. It is extremely helpful towards my research.

working thesis and summary

Working Thesis: Although there are many contributing factors to obesity and unhealthy weight in adolescents, parents have the most influence and control over their children.

The first source that I found was a study on obesity's role as a significant health problem among adolescents and whether or not incorporating prevention programs in school was successful or not. I found some good information -- statistics, influences of parental behavior, and children directly quoting that they blamed their parents for their eating habits.