Transcript Health Status of youth in U.S.

Health Status U.S. Youth
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Obesity
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Major health threat in U.S.
Since 1980, obesity rates:
 Doubled among children
 Tripled among adolescents
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Crucial period for weight gain
90% obese adolescents stay obese into adulthood
1/3rd of children obese or overweight
2/3rds adults obese or overweight
Health Implications Obesity Epidemic
Obese youth at increased risk:
High blood pressure & cholesterol, type II diabetes
 Long-term health problems
 Exclusion from peer groups, depression, stress, poor
body image & low self-esteem
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Interventions that promote healthy eating & physical
activity in childhood crucial for health & wellness
Diet & Physical Activity U.S. Youth
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↑ calories and ↓ physical activity = weight gain
Diet
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Children consume inadequate amount nutritious foods – eg,
fruits & vegetables
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Half of children aged 2-18 y consume less than one serving fruit/day
Consume excess of nutrient-poor foods – eg, potato chips,
cookies, sugary foods
Physical Activity
Activity levels have declined, but sedentary activities (eg, video
games) increased
Few children meet recommended activity levels (60 min/day)
2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
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Due to obesity epidemic, strong emphasis on:
1) reducing calorie intake
 2) increasing physical activity
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Guidelines recommend:
Eat more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy
products
 Eat less sugar, sodium, refined grains, fatty foods
 Balance calories with more physical activity
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Ways to Intervene: Wellness Policies
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Schools identified as important partner in health
promotion
Schools in unique position to intervene
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Can reach almost all children & adolescents
Provide opportunities to practice healthy habits
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Teachers serve as role models
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Children eat > 1 meal at school + snacks
And, after training can provide nutrition instruction
Studies show school-based health programs can improve
eating & exercise behaviors of youth & advance academic
performance
School Wellness Programs
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CDC, ADA, SNA recommend a comprehensive
program that provides:
students with knowledge & skills of healthy habits
based on 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
 consistent access to healthy foods & opportunities
for regular physical activity
 healthy school environment that supports positive
health behaviors
 family involvement to promote reinforcement of
healthy behaviors in the home
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CDC & ADA Key Recommendations:
Nutrition Policy Content
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Adequate time for nutrition education preschool-12th
Healthy foods available & consistent with dietary guidelines:
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Recommended food use guidelines for classroom
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E.g., cafeteria meals, vending machines, classroom snacks/parties, fundraising
Discourage using food for rewarding students
E.g., candy as reward reinforce preference for low-nutrition food &
contradict what taught in nutrition education
Support for healthy school meals
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Educate parents about value healthy school & home meals
Students given adequate time to eat (at least 20 min. after served meal)
Consider recess before meals (improved nutrient consumption & less plate
waste)
CDC Recommendations:
Physical Activity Policy Content
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Schools should require daily physical education in
grades K-12
Provide school time (e.g., recess) for unstructured
physical activity
Discourage use of physical activity as punishment or
withholding to catch up on schoolwork
Help students develop knowledge, attitudes & skills to
adopt & maintain physically active lifestyle
Encourage parents to support children’s participation in
activity
Current Constructive Classroom
Rewards in Use at ASH
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Stickers
Marble/fish party
School supplies
Oriental trading prizes
Posters of teen idols
Geo lanterns
Classroom privileges
Puzzle games
Gold star/pins
Extra recess
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Friday – last 5 minutes
dance party
Caught-being-good
coupons
Scrapbook
embellishments
Costume jewelry
Select seat
Lunch with teacher
Wellness Policy – Newburgh, NY
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Snacks
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Rewards
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Discourages use of food (eg, candy/treats) as rewards
School celebrations/birthday parties
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Only nutritious food served at school events (eg, fruits,
vegetables, low-fat dairy, water & whole-grains items)
Parties include at least 1 serving of nutritious foods
& encouraged to offer physical activity
Fundraising
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Encouraged to feature healthy food choices & nonfood items
Break-Out Session