The Pennsylvania Growth Screening Program

1

The Pennsylvania Growth Screening Program a
strategy to improve the health of youth and
families
2
The Epidemic of Obesity

• We may be in danger of raising the first
  generation of American children who will live
  sicker and die younger than the generation before
  them.
• Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A.
• RWJF President and CEO

3
Obesity A National Epidemic

• Twenty-seven percent of children ages 5 10 have
  one or more heart disease risk factors
• One in three children born in the year 2000 will
  develop Type II diabetes (based on current
  trends)
• Children who remain overweight beyond age six run
  a 50 percent chance of being overweight for life
• Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent risk of
  becoming overweight adults
• Poor nutrition, inactivity and weight problems
  adversely affect academic achievement

4
The Growth Screening Procedure (required by the
Pennsylvania Department of Health)

• Measure height
• Measure weight
• Determine Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Graph BMI on growth charts (age and sex)
• Report to parents

5
What is BMI?

• A ratio of weight to height
• A screening tool used to assess underweight,
  overweight and risk for overweight
• BMI percentile indicates how a persons
  measurements compare to others in the same age
  group
• Can help identify or prevent health risks
  associated with being overweight (heart disease,
  diabetes, etc.)

6
How to InterpretBMI Screening Results

• BMI less than 5th percentile underweight
•  
• BMI between 85th and 95th percentile overweight
•  
• BMI equal to or greater than 95th percentile
  obese
• Source Barlow SE (2007) Expert Committee
  Recommendations Regarding the Prevention,
  Assessment, and Treatment of Child and Adolescent
  Overweight and Obesity Summary Report.
  Pediatrics 120 S164-S192.

7
Screening tool not a diagnosis

• Share your childs BMI information with your
  health care provider
• A doctor or nurse is in the best position to
  evaluate your childs overall health

8
Screening Schedule School nurse to customize

• Preparation Information
• Back to School Night
• Screening time frame
• Results letters sent(Letters recommend
  consulting health care provider)
• Referral process, etc.

9
Creating Healthy Schools

• School policies and practices play a powerful
  role in combating the epidemic of childhood
  overweight and obesity
• Students consume approximately one third of their
  daily calories and accumulate 20 30 percent
  of daily physical activity at school
• - Journal of Preventative Medicine, 2003

10
Healthy, Active Kids and School Success

• Poor nutrition, inactivity, and weight problems
  can impair academic achievement
• Well nourished children achieve higher test
  scores
• Higher levels of fitness are associated with
  higher academic achievement
• Overweight children may face additional barriers
  to learning (social, emotional, physical health
  challenges)

11
insert school district is taking a
comprehensive approach to wellness that includes
health screenings, physical activity programs,
nutrition, and education.
12

• nrgBalance makes it easier for everyone to access
  healthy eating and active living options to
  create energy balanced environments where we
  live, learn, work, and play.

13
Achieving Energy Balance and a Healthy Weight

• or more hours of physical activity each day
• or less hours of screen time each day
• meals balanced each day
• or more cups of water or low/no-calorie
  beverages each day
• or more servings of fruits and veggies each
  day

• Recommendations for Prevention of Childhood
  Obesity
• Davis MM et al, 2007 Pediatrics, S229-S253

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Make Healthy Easy at School

• Annual campaign for schools and community
  recreation centers (with after school
  programming)
• Recognizes commitment to improving healthy eating
  and physical activity options
• Equips members with information, tools, and
  evidence-based rewards to help make healthy easy
  in their setting.

15
Make Healthy Easy at School
Select nrgBalance program logos based on what
programs/events your school participates in
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Make Healthy Easy at Home

• Find at least two activities you can do as a
  family (commit to at least one activity a week)
• Make one night a week screen free for family time
• Involve kids in menu planning
• Make breakfast a part of everyday
• Serve water for snacks and meals
• Slice fruits and vegetables to pack for on the go
  snacks