School Nurse's Corner

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health problems facing our nation today. About 18.2 million people in the United States have diabetes. Of those, 13 million are diagnosed and 5.2 million are undiagnosed. Ninety to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse) Everyday we read about a new report or story in the news media concerning the obesity trend. The percentage of overweight children in the United States aged 6-11 has more than doubled and our adolescents aged 12-18 has tripled. (Penn State University’s Dept. of Nutritional Sciences and the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education 2004)

Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat. A total body weight of greater than 25% fat for boys and greater than 32% fat for girls. (Lohman, 1987)

Almost 80% of children do not eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables suggested each day. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Disease Control and Prevention 2003) Children spend more time on the computer or watching television than on exercise, sports or physical activities.

School nurses play a key role in advocating healthy lifestyle choices and curbing obesity trends. We strive to prevent and decrease the prevalence of obesity in our school communities.

Obesity presents numerous problems for children. Childhood obesity is a leading cause of pediatric hypertension, is associated with Type II diabetes mellitus, increases the risk of coronary disease, increases stress on weight-bearing joints, lowers self-esteem and disrupts healthy peer relationships.

So let’s address the obesity trend together. Here are some helpful suggestions to get you started:

1.) Get the entire family involved. Children are more willing to eat healthy foods and exercise if they see their parents and family members doing it first.

2.) Eat meals together for a positive supportive environment.

3.) Try designating one night a week as family dinner night. Regular family meals promote a chance to check in with each other.

4.) Control food portions and include a variety of fruits and vegetables.

5.) Schedule meals at regular intervals. Kids have a tendency to snack more without a schedule.

6.) Try to reduce fat by using low fat substitutions.

7.) Provide healthy snack choices such as: fresh fruit/yogurt, low fat cheese and crackers, applesauce, raw vegetables with low fat dip, graham crackers, trail mix or granola.

8.) Refrain from using food as a reward or punishment.

9.) Watch less television and video games.

10.) Whenever possible-get outside and play with your kids.

11.) Try sports and games that are physical. You might even notice a drop in weight yourself.

12.) Encourage your 3-5 year old to refine their motor skills; climbing, balancing and swinging.

13.) Plant a family garden.

14.) Expose your child to a variety of physical activities and allow them to choose which ones they enjoy.

15.) Partner with your pediatrician, healthcare provider and school nurse for guidance and support.

16.) Encourage your child to set a health goal. Start small. Drink less soda and more water or cut back on watching television by an hour each day. Celebrate each success.

Healthy eating and physical activities don’t become habits overnight. It takes time and effort to make them a part of a daily routine.

School nurses are available and ready to assist and educate children and their families in achieving healthy weight levels. So feel free to call your school nurse for more information on promoting optimal choices for a healthier lifestyle.