Health News Blog
What is the School's Role in Childhood Obesity?
Monday, October 29, 2007
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A woman in Denver was angered by the actions of her child's school when results of a BMI (body mass index) assessment revealed that she was overweight. To make matters worse the information was given to the child to take home; the child read it and was distraught by this news.
Was it appropriate for the school to give this information to a child or should the school have mailed it directly to the parents? What about the role that the school plays in the health of students, should they even get involved by doing health screenings?
As a parent I can certainly relate and sympathize with this woman because information like this should not be given to a child. However, with obesity on the rise, one has to wonder if parents are dropping the ball and someone has to pick it up. The mother was quoted as saying, “My daughter is big-boned.” Perhaps the schools can succeed where parents have failed.
Schools are instrumental in teaching our children many important lessons needed for success. With the enormity of the obesity crisis in America, this may be one of the most important lessons students can learn from school.
The assessment result would have been better received, if more focus was given to using this information to provide healthy lifestyle changes and less on labeling students “fat”. Parents should hold their schools accountable for wanting “to be a part of the solution”. Demand programs that are geared towards teaching families about nutrition. Lobby for adding Physical Education as a mandatory part of the school's curriculum. Finally, provide workshops that will allow communities to not only get valuable information, but hands on activities like healthy cooking, label reading, portion control...
Michelle, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
Nutrition Specialist
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.”
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