Recorded presentation

Marjorie Getz, PhD (c), Psychology, Bradley University, 1501 W Bradley Avenue, Peoria, IL 61625, 309-677-2587, mgetz@bradley.edu and Marcy Coppernoll, RN, Hult Health Education Center, 5215 N. Knoxville Road, Peoria, IL 61614.

The problem of overweight children is an increasing public health concern in America. Approximately 15% of adolescents are obese; a similar percentage is overweight. Because habits/practices related to physical activity and eating are influenced by school environments, thoughtful school-based policies concerning nutrition and healthy lifestyles provide excellent opportunities for intervention. However, school administrators and governing bodies may provide inconsistent policies and guidelines related to food availability, limited time for physical activity and underplay the importance of developing healthy lifestyles. This federally sponsored study surveyed school administrators, faculty, staff and students concerning food policies and physical activity policies for 14 schools in Central Illinois and suburban Chicago (using grades 2, 4, 5, and 7). Some highlights from quantitative and qualitative analyses of survey data showed that policies related to provision of nutritious foods were not made public and when published were not enforced; vending machines (almost universally present) rarely sold products that could be classified as nutritionally adequate (using calorie/fat/sugar/sodium content as criteria); school meal programs failed to meet federal guidelines for nutrition; most students received less than recommended amounts of time for physical activity. Faculty wanted to incorporate information related to nutrition and opportunities for physical activity into the school day but could not find the time or create occasions because of curricular demands and requested input from study investigators to improve their ability to assist their students in achieving healthy lifestyles. Policies consistent with the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity were developed.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe method for assessing school policies related to food availability and physical activity.
• Present new technique for assessing nutrition quality of school lunches.
• Relate findings from assessment to US Surgeon General's Call to Action for reducing prevalence of obesity by forming strategic partnerships within communities.

Keywords: Children and Adolescents, School-Based Programs

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.

Recorded presentation