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For immediate release: October 3, 2005 (05-125)
Contacts:
Kate Lynch, DOH Nutrition &
Physical Activity, 360-236-3964
George Sneller, OSPI Nutrition
Director, 360-725-6210
Jeff Smith, Communications Office,
360-236-4072
OLYMPIA ¾ With thousands of young people back in school, nutritionists urge parents to take a serious look at what their kids are eating while they are at school all day.
“Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in our state and the nation, and it has become a critical issue among children,” said Kyle Unland, registered dietitian and coordinator of the state’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Program. “Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions. Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are important factors that contribute to our children becoming overweight.”These factors can also affect a child’s learning. “Children who skip breakfast have a tough time concentrating in school,” said George Sneller, nutrition director for the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Children who don’t eat healthy foods may miss school because they have less ability to fight off illness and may struggle to learn. Recent studies have also found that regular physical activity supports better learning.”
In August all school districts were required to adopt nutrition and physical activity policies. To reward school districts that develop exemplary policies, a group of public and private partners led by the Children’s Alliance issued a School Board Challenge that will award three school districts $5,000 each. Districts may contact Shelley Curtis (shelley@childrensalliance.org) to apply for the award. Samples of new nutrition and physical education policies can be found on the Healthy Schools in Washington Web site (http://www.healthyschoolswa.org).
One in 10 young people in Washington are significantly overweight, according to the 2004 Healthy Youth Survey. High school students who consume empty calories by drinking two or more sodas daily are more likely to be overweight. Only about a quarter of Washington teens eat fruits and vegetables five or more times a day. Most (90 percent), according to the 2004 School Health Education Profile, have easy access to other unhealthy snack foods at school. About 15 percent of schools shorten the student lunch period in attempt to squeeze-in more time for instruction – which can encourage students to find fast ways around the cafeteria line.
What can families and schools do to help?
“Something as simple as eating dinner as a family might really make a difference,” Unland said. “Studies have found a connection between eating meals as a family with doing better in school, being a healthier weight, and eating more fruits and vegetables. I also encourage parents to be more involved within their communities to ensure that there are healthy food choices and better opportunities for everyone to be physically active.”
Sneller added that, “It’s important that parents know what their kids are eating at school and to get involved with their schools. I encourage parents to advocate for their child’s well-being by asking their schools for information about healthy food options and fitness programs.”
Improving access to healthier foods and physical activity are part of the Washington State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan (http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/NutritionPA/default.htm)
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