OMS School Health Council: Whatever It Takes to Fight Childhood Obesity

1. OMS School Health Council OMS School Health Council: Whatever It Takes to Fight Childhood Obesity Louann Jones Kelli Rice Terry Belflower Carol Abdo Donna Box Jill Martin Reggie Kimball Tiffany Kirkland Jamylle Johnson Gavin Colquitt Amy Davis Missie Bause

2. 1991 Obesity Trends* Among U.S. AdultsBRFSS,1991, 1996, 2004 (*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs overweight for 5’4” person) 1996 2004 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% ≥25% Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, CDC

3. Obesity in Georgia Overweight or obese adults by health district, Georgia, 1993-1996 Overweight or obese adults by health district, Georgia, 2000-2002

4. How is obesity costing you?

5. Federal and Congressional Legislation • Child Nutrition (42 USC 1779) • Regulates the sale of foods at lunch time • Section 204 - Local Wellness Policy (42 USC 1751.204) • Requires school districts to develop a local wellness policy that sets forth guidelines on health education and physical activity • Requires the district to assess its implementation • Program requirements-School Lunch Program (42 USC 1758) • Regulates the nutritional content of school lunches

6. What is next? • The Federal Government is likely to require districts to… • …develop a strict wellness policy regarding comprehensive school health • ...completely implement such a policy • …make radical changes in policy regarding nutrition and physical activity (i.e. increase PE class time, prohibit the sale of “junk” foods at school, etc.)

7. Whatever it takes! • The Henry County School District’s Wellness Policy • Vague • Fails to follow guidelines suggested by the CDC and other health organizations • Ola Middle School is committed to ensuring the success of every student! • The OMS School Health Council is in the process of developing our own wellness policy

8. OMS School Health Council • School Health Index (SHI) • A tool developed by the CDC to assess school health policies on 8 key areas • School Health and Safety Policies and Environment • Health Education • Physical Education and Other Physical Activity Programs • Nutrition Services • Health Services • Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services • Health Promotion for Staff • Family and Community Involvement

9. School Health Index • Greatest needs in Family and Community Involvement

10. Getting YOU Connected… • Parent Education Nights • Physical Activity • Nutrition and Healthy Eating • Involvement in health policies • Community-based health programs • Feedback on school meals • Healthy snacks and food choices

11. How YOU Can Help • Students Can • Set goals for healthy eating habits and monitor progress. • Make healthy choices in the school cafeteria or when packing lunch. • Ask for healthy snacks. • Encourage friends and family members to eat healthy foods and be physically active. • Use nutrition labels to select low-fat snacks. • Urge the student council to request healthy food choices in school and at school events. • Take elective courses in health, nutrition, cooking, and physical education. • Help plan school and family menus.

12. How YOU Can Help (cont.) • Parents or Guardians Can • Provide healthy snacks for school parties and special events. • Help school staff plan activities where students can sample healthy foods. • Involve children in selecting and preparing food. • Offer children a variety of healthy foods, keep healthy snacks on hand, and make mealtime an enjoyable experience. • Share nutrition information with children and talk with them about nutrition projects and homework assignments.