Website targets child obesity
By Tatiana Zarnowski October 8, 2006
So you got the letter from your child's school that says his body mass index is high.
Now what?
The state Department of Health this year required schools to expand body mass index (BMI) screenings to include all students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Last year students through fourth grade were measured and letters sent home to parents with the child's BMI, a height-to-weight ratio.
Next year high-schoolers will be included as well.
Overweight children are in good company, according to the Department of Health - as many as one in every five children is overweight.
“We're seeing a higher rate of childhood obesity, because harried parents often turn to fast food or high-carbohydrate snacks,” says Christopher F. Hannum, M.D., a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and an obesity specialist from Chester. “Children aren't as active today, because they spend a lot of time on computers and watching television. They're eating too many calories and not burning them off.”
Help available
Fortunately, help is just a few key strokes away, at
www.myfamilywellness.org.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society offers online resources for parents who want to educate themselves about body fat and nutrition.
Its site features:
€ Tips to promote healthy eating and physical activity.
€ Links to BMI calculators for both adults and children. The more complex children's calculator takes into account the child's age and gender, since children are still growing.
€ A free DVD created by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for children ages 5 to 9 and their parents. “Max's Magical Delivery: Fit for Kids” is designed to entertain kids as it teaches them about healthy living.
€ A “Pyramid Blast Off Game,” a coloring page and a planner based on the food pyramid.
€ “Find-a-Physician” directory for anyone needing a family doctor or specialist.
The society recommends doctors help parents interpret BMI results for each individual.
“Student athletes may have low body fat, but a high BMI, because of muscle mass,” Hannum says. “BMI is not the sole indicator of good health. We also need to look at regular physical exams, vital signs, family history and other factors.”
The U.S. Surgeon General says overweight kids have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults. Without good weight management, these children risk coronary disease, diabetes, joint pain, and other health problems as they mature.
The good news is that families can work together with their doctors on weight management programs. Since children learn by example, parents can take this opportunity to prepare nutritious meals and improve their own health as well. The Pennsylvania Medical Society cautions that parents should talk with their family doctor before making any radical diet changes.
Hannum notes that diet and weight change for parents and children can happen gradually.
“Many small choices over time can add up to big results. By drinking one less soda each day, you can cut weight gain by 10 to 15 pounds a year. Kids also need lots of physical activity and should exercise at least one hour a day through play or organized sports.”
To learn more, go to
www.myfamilywellness.org and click on “Health Highlight.”
Childhood Obesity
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