Increased sedentary lifestyles among children and adolescents have challenged schools and communities to develop fun, innovative approaches to coordinated nutrition and physical education programs. School health education can play an important role in promoting changes in student attitudes and behaviors about health promotion and disease prevention. Improving the health and fitness of youth requires a multifaceted scheme of developing healthy skills and supportive learning, while reinforcing positive school experiences. Since eating habits and physical activity are influenced by many factors, strategies should target multiple areas within the school environment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “School Health Index (SHI) for Physical Activity and Healthy Eating,” is a tool to assess the strengths and weaknesses of school health policies and environment, and to strengthen school health initiatives. This presentation will (1) describe the implementation of the SHI used to assess school policies and environment, health education, physical education and nutrition services at an urban middle school, and (2) describe the challenges of incorporating the SHI into ongoing school health improvement plans. This project may potentially serve as a model for implementing the SHI to develop effective school policies and programs that meet Healthy People 2010 objectives.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Describe how the School Health Index (SHI) can assist schools and school districts with the implementation of nutrition and physical education policies and programs. 2. Analyze the effectiveness of using the SHI to assess and plan school health improvements.
Keywords: School Health, Needs Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.