| Re: Iowa
Davis County schools battling obesity
(BLOOMFIELD, Iowa) "What the committee did and it's purpose took on a lot more meaning when we realized our numbers were pretty bad," said Anne Morgan the Davis County Superintendent of Schools.
The numbers Morgan is referring to aren't test scores.
After conducting a body mass indicator test on students at Davis County Schools, it was determined that 30% of them were overweight.
That's one of the reasons they now have a Wellness Committee.
The committee was formed to promote healthy living among students.
Two years ago, federal legislation was passed to require all school systems to have such organizations.
"Healthier changes for children and family healthier eating styles increased amount of physical activity for kids - everybody just becoming more aware of what we can do on an individual basis to improve the health of children and families," said Davis County school nurse, Lesle Kouba.
A proposed plan to eliminate all pop machines in the schools was popular, but Morgan says, "We would prefer to have more choices instead of no choices."
So the Davis County Wellness Committee built its plan around choice.
The group decided to give students healthy alternatives in the cafeteria and teach them about healthy living in the classroom.
And the lesson doesn't stop there.
"Our emphasis is going to be with parents - getting more information out to them about healthier choices, better lifestyles and exercise," added Morgan.
Davis County will present its Wellness Policy to the school board next Tuesday.
Law states that all schools must have a policy in place by the time school starts this fall.
Morgan hopes this will bring those numbers down.
"During the school session if there are always healthier choices then that's half the battle," said Morgan.
--Anthony Miller , Reporting
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