Carolyn M. Newton, RN, BSN, School Health Bureau, Arlington County Department of Human Services, 3033 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600B, Arlington, VA 22201, 703-228-1626, cnewton@co.arlington.va.us

Childhood obesity is on the rise—children are eating more and exercising less. Recent statistics indicate that one in six children are overweight and the number of overweight youth has doubled in just two decades. Children are eating less nutrition foods as well, which can lead to poor academic achievement. According to a 2001 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted in Arlington, Virginia: -Nearly ¼ of 12th graders report drinking no milk in the previous week -Fewer than 1/3 of 10th and 12th graders eat the recommended servings of fruits And vegetables -Less than half of 12th graders exercise at least 3 times a week, while 75% of 6th, 8th, and 10th graders do report vigorous exercise at least 3 times a week Using Healthy People 2010 recommendations as a framework for childhood health, the Health Education Committee for Arlington County School Health Bureau developed a program entitled Fuel Up! Get Moving! The goal of the program was to increase awareness of the benefits of exercise and nutrition, in a way that would be age-appropriate, effective, and fun. This program gave school health nurses the tools needed to provide current information to school staff, students and parents through various media; use age-appropriate curriculums in individual classrooms; create informative contests and interactive parent-child activities. This presentation will highlight the strategies used by Arlington, Virginia School Health Nurses to increase awareness of the benefits of exercise and nutrition. Lessons learned and future plans will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: Following the session, the participants will be able to

• Discuss activities that school health nurses can do in school to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise and nutrition.
• Recognize the need for more school-based nutrition and exercise eduction programs.
• Develop a plan to increase awareness of the benefits of nutrition and exercise in schools.

Keywords: School Health, Nurses

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.