Bowing to pressure from parents, the state of Arkansas — the first of six states to mandate that schools send home body mass index (BMI) scores to parents, is now considering whether to repeal its law. Parents fear that the BMI reports can hurt a child’s self-esteem.
If not BMI “report cards,” what role can schools play in reducing the incidence of childhood obesity? Partnerships between schools, payors and healthcare providers can fill a critical need for the dissemination of information on this topic.
The school my children attend launched a contest this week with the support of the school nurse to encourage the children (parents) to pack healthy snacks and lunches for the children. This two-week contest gives children the opportunity to win prizes [let's hope it's not candy] and to hear their name announced over the loudspeaker if their lunch or snack includes an item from a healthy list sent home before the launch of the contest.
My kids are so excited about this opportunity. They compare the list of “approved†items every morning to make sure their lunch box contents makes the grade.
Yes, it’s a simple step, but in the case of my household, it’s been very successful. I only wish they would extend the contest for the entire year as it appears my children are more motivated by what the school tells them to eat than by what I tell them. Moreover, each day this week, my kids have reported back to me on the number of kids packing healthy snacks. It is impressive.
If you pair this type of contest with some community-based programs to educate parents sponsored by a local hospital or health plan, it might just be a better way to help reduce the incidence of childhood obesity than the BMI report card that some parents find objectionable.
Take for instance, St. Louis (Mo.) Children’s Hospital, one of the programs highlighted in Childhood Obesity: Truths, Trends & Program Design . The hospital takes a head-to-toe approach to spreading the word on wellness in schools and in the community.
“Fit N’ Fun Adventure,†a 20-day program available for the classroom, progresses students through a game board’s worth of physical activities—hopping on one foot, running up stairs, etc. The activities are monitored in school and registered at home, where a parent or caregiver must sign off on each exercise before a child may advance to the next one. The physical exercises are reinforced with nutrition-based information and activities. Participants who successfully complete the program are rewarded at a completion ceremony.
