New Student Body Fat Screenings May Surprise One In Five Pennsylvania Parents
| Date: September 28, 2006 |
Media Contact: |
Chuck Moran |
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Pennsylvania Medical Society |
| For Immediate Release |
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(717) 558-7820 |
(Harrisburg, Pa.) Many Pennsylvania parents are learning that their children are overweight. State-required body mass index (BMI) screenings are being expanded this year to include all students in grades K-8.
When schools give parents the inside scoop on their child's body fat, the Pennsylvania Medical Society has some online help to steer kids back on the track to good health.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that as many as one child out of every five is overweight. This could leave about 20 percent of our parent population wondering what to do next. "We're seeing a higher rate of childhood obesity because harried parents often turn to fast food or high-carbohydrate snacks," says Christopher F. Hannum, MD, a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and an obesity specialist from Chester, Pa. "Children aren't as active today because they spend a lot of time on computers and watching television. They're eating too many calories and not burning them off."
He adds, "Children may not think about the health risks, but they're very aware of the social bias against overweight people. This added stress may lead to unhealthy eating and poor exercise habits."
The Pennsylvania Medical Society believes that parents, doctors, and schools need to work together to keep our kids healthy and happy.
So, the Society's Family Health and Wellness website, is offering a variety of helpful resources as the new BMI student testing term begins:
- BMI calculators that allow children and adults to check their own body fat. You can make this a fun family activity.
- A free, interactive DVD that entertains as it teaches kids how to live healthy. "Max's Magical Delivery: Fit for Kids," created by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, targets children—ages five to nine—and their parents.
- "Eating Tips for Kids" links based on the US Department of Agriculture's new food pyramid. These include a "MyPyramid Blast Off Game," a "MyPyramid for Kids" planner, and a coloring page for youngsters.
- Weight management treatment programs, sorted by county, from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
- "Find-A-Physician" directory for anyone needing a family doctor or specialist.
"Doctors should help parents interpret BMI results because each child has personal issues that can make a difference," explains Dr. Hannum.
"For example, student athletes may have low body fat, but a high BMI, because of muscle mass. BMI is not the sole indicator of good health. We also need to look at regular physical exams, vital signs, family history, and other factors."
The US Surgeon General says overweight kids have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults. Without good weight management, these children risk coronary disease, diabetes, joint pain, and other health problems as they mature.
The good news is that families can work together with their doctors on weight management programs. Since children learn by example, parents can take this opportunity to prepare nutritious meals and improve their own health as well. The Pennsylvania Medical Society cautions that parents should talk with their family doctor before making any radical diet changes.
Dr. Hannum notes that diet and weight change for parents and children can happen gradually. "Many small choices over time can add up to big results. By drinking one fewer sodas each day, you can cut weight gain by 10 to 15 pounds a year. Kids also need lots of physical activity and should exercise at least one hour a day through play or organized sports."
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The patient-doctor relationship has been the priority of the Pennsylvania Medical Society since its founding in 1848. The Medical Society listens to concerns of both patients and doctors to improve the delivery of health care services. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Medical Society, visit its website at www.pamedsoc.org or its consumer website at www.myfamilywellness.org.
Last Updated: 8/14/2008