The incidence of childhood obesity is rapidly rising throughout the country and in our local community of Pottstown.  The obesity epidemic is especially evident where our community supports a lifestyle of sedentary lives and consumption of more convenience foods, which are typically high in calories and low in nutritional value.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that about 33% of U.S. children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.  That equals about 25 million U.S. children and adolescents are overweight or nearly overweight.

Schools Play an Important Part

Schools can play an important part in a national and local effort to prevent childhood obesity.  More than 95% of American youth aged 5-17 are enrolled in school, and no other institution has as much continuous and intensive contact with our children during their first two decades of life. 

Congress Lobbies for School Food Standards

Recently, the U.S. Congress asked the Institute of Medicine to develop a set of new benchmarks for school cafeterias.  The response concluded with a two-tier system that encourages the consumption of nutritionally sound foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while reducing the intake of fat, sodium and sugar.

Tier 1 foods – consist of at least one serving of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or non- or low-fat dairy (limited to 200 calories) would be available to students at all grades.  Tier 2 foods – which include low-calorie snack foods such as pretzels and graham crackers would be available to high school students after school.  These standards could be implemented as early as 2009-2010 school year.

What are Your Kids Really Eating?              

        Philadelphia Magazine reports that area schools are not to blame for fat kids.  Local cafeterias such as the Spring-Ford School District are serving healthy food, ditching the soda and fries and creating more variety in meal choices.  Spring-Ford Schools have pushed out Gatorade and Yoohoo drinks and serve only baked – not fried snacks.  And yet the never-dying chicken nuggets, pizza and chocolate chip cookies still remain on the menu.   However, concerned parents fear that you can lead your kids to the salad bar, but you can’t make them eat.

Pottstown School District Revises Wellness Policy

In August, the Pottstown School District adopted the Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in PA Schools for School Nutrition Incentive as part of the district’s wellness policy.  In the place of soda and sugar-laden beverages, the District offers:

• Plain water or flavored water with no sugar or artificial sweetners.
• Water flavored with artifical sweetners limited to (middle and high schools) 17 oz.
• 100% fruit juices
• Milk, 2% ReducedFat, 1% LowFat or Non-Fat.
• Carbonated beverages with a minimum of 70% pure juices and no other added ingredients.

What YOU Can Do To Reduce Childhood Obesity Risk Factors

In our community, the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation offer resources of information to parents and local schools in reducing the obesity risk factors.  Take the time to educate yourself and read the article about School Lunches.  

Diet -  Limit the regular consumption of high calorie foods, soft drinks, fast foods, baked goods and vending machine snacks that contribute to weight gain.  Drink more plain water.  Make sure that all foods and drinks available in your schools are meeting nutritional standards for the sake of our children.

Inactivity – Get Active.  Encourage time with your child to exercise and limit the time spent watching television or playing video games.

Genetics -  It may be hard to control this risk factor, but encourage family participation in fitness.

Psychological Factors – Some children and adults overeat to cope with problems or stress.  Exercise is the best activity to help you cope and reduce tension.

Family & Social Factors – Educate you and your child about healthy foods.  You can control how you shop for the family’s groceries.  Dump the Junk Food!  Make working out a social connection by joining the health club or gym.

Help Your Family Make Exercise a Lifelong Healthy Priority

As the season continues to change, now is a perfect time to bring your fitness indoors to PHC.   I warmly invite you and your family to experience the perfectfit with our  free mini membership.