AFHK Special Reports

The Learning Connection Documents how the excessive rise in poor nutrition, inactivity and weight problems adversely affects academic achievement and possibly costs schools millions of dollars

Impact on Learning Schools with high percentages of students who did not routinely engage in physical activity or eat well had smaller gains in test scores than other schools

Impact on Learning Many studies show a direct link between nutritional intake and academic performance

Impact on Learning Many studies also show a direct link between physical activity and academic performance

Impact on Learning Other recent studies found a significant relationship between academic achievement and fitness levels

Impact on Learning Emerging research suggests an association between weight problems and lower academic achievement

Economic Costs for Schools Potential reduction in funding in states where attendance helps determine the level of state funding for schools

Economic Costs for Schools Severely overweight children miss on average one day of school per month for a total of nine days per year

Economic Costs for Schools Potential loss of state aid per year for an average district in: Texas $95,000

Economic Costs for Schools Potential loss of state aid per year for an average district in: California $160,000

Economic Costs for Schools Loss in big cities can be much higher: Chicago $9,000,000

Economic Costs for Schools Loss in big cities can be much higher: Los Angeles $15,000,000

Economic Costs for Schools Loss in big cities can be much higher: New York City $28,000,000

Economic Costs for Schools Significant indirect costs in helping students whose academic performance and/or behavior suffers

Economic Costs for Schools Staff time for remediation and/or medication administration for children with related physical and emotional issues

Economic Costs for Schools Faculty and staff consequences include increases in health premiums, higher absenteeism, and lower productivity

HEALTHY SCHOOLS SUMMIT: TAKING ACTION FOR CHILDREN’S NUTRITION & FITNESS

Child Nutrition Act reauthorized during 2004 Requires wellness policies in all schools by beginning of school year

Recommendations to Prevent and Control Overweight and Obesity  NECON work groups  Yaffe Foundation  Schools work group included education and health professionals  Proposed evidence-based recommendations

Recommendations to Prevent and Control Overweight and Obesity  National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity  Over 250 national, state and local organizations  Development group included education and health professionals

Tools to Assist Schools CDC School Health Index

Tools to Assist Schools USDA Changing the Scene and Team Nutrition

Tools to Assist Schools National Association of State Boards of Education

So, what does all this mean?

Nutrition and physical activity issues are important for kids, their families, their future success, and their length and quality of life. And, they are critical to our nation. And, they are critical to our nation.

Healthy kids make better students, and better students make healthy communities. CCSSO and ASTHO, School Health Starter Kit, 1999.

Thank you for your interest! William (Bill) Potts-Datema Director, Partnerships for Children’s Health Harvard School of Public Health (office)