1. A PowerPoint Presentation Presented by Kenya L. Young August 8, 2010
Fun
Fruit
Nutrition
The Guide
July-2010
Improving the Nutritional Environment in Primary and Secondary Schools in Prince George’s County Maryland
A PowerPoint Presentation Presented by Kenya L. Young
August 8, 2010
Welcome and thank you for your undivided attention. Today I will discuss the challenges of childhood obesity as well as address the need for awareness and change in the nutritional environment of both primary and secondary schools. With obesity growing to become a major health crisis, my presentation will specifically focus on the need for immediate change and modification. American Obesity Association, The Obesity Society, NIH, Prince George’s County Health Department, The Board of Education for Maryland Public Schools, Obesity Action Coalition, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are all entities in which my presentation is geared towards.

2. OBJECTIVE
To help combat childhood obesity, is imperative for parents, school board members, as well as state and local health departments to take action in implementing effective measures that could be used in creating a healthy nutritional environment for our youth. While we all can take a stand in making a difference, it is essential for one to see the critical role that schools have in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. Today I will discuss the much needed change in the nutritional environment of both primary and secondary schools.
Recent studies have illustrated that nutrition is an imperative factor that effects the well being and growth of youth. With increasing numbers of undernourished children, obesity, and diet related diseases, changes in nutrition is an effective measure in need of use.

3. Outline Fun Fruit Section Title Defining Obesity/Effects of Obesity
Nutrition
Outline
Section Title
Defining Obesity/Effects of Obesity
Childhood Obesity/Alarming Trends/ Statistical Data of Children Affected by Childhood Obesity
Promoting Healthy Youth/Benefits of Changing the Nutritional Environment in Schools
Closing Slide – Thank You

4. Fun
Fruit
Nutrition
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is a terminology that is often used to define the presence of excess adipose tissue. While there are several measures that can be used for diagnoses, the most common used method is Body Mass Index (BMI). With Adipose tissue being primarily responsible for secreting a number of products such as lipids, metabolites, and cytokines, one must note that excess adipose tissue could result in harmful affects to one’s health
The Obesity Society. (2010). What is Obesity. Retrieved from
Obesity is a critical disorder that has grown to become one the most prevalent health crisis of the 21st century.

5. Obesity Cont. Fun Fruit Obesity Overview
Nutrition
Obesity Cont.
Obesity Overview
Being obese causes one to have too much body fat that their health becomes at risk
Overweight and obesity are both terminologies used to define weight that is greater than what it should be
Overweight and obesity can also be used to distinguish levels of weight that have the probability of increasing the onset of diseases and illnesses
For children and teens, obesity is diagnosed after calculating the BMI and plotting it on the CDC BMI- for-age growth charts for either boys or girls. A percentile ranking is then attained, allowing healthcare providers to determine the weight status of the evaluated child.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Defining Childhood Overweight and Obesity. Retrieved from
In determining one’s weight status, a body mass index is calculated. BMI is referred to as a number that is calculated from a child’s weight and height

6. Sample BMI Calculations
Fun
Fruit
Nutrition
Sample BMI Calculations
The attached graph displays sample
calculations of BMI numbers and results
for a ten year old boy.
Weight Status Category Percentile Range
Underweight Less than the 5th percentile
Healthy weight th percentile to less than the 85th
Overweight th to less than the 95th percentile
Obese Equal to or greater than the 95th Percent.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009).
About BMI for Children and Teens. Retrieved from http: //
_bmi/about_childrens_bmi.html
In the illustrated slide, sample calculations and interpretations are displayed for a ten year old boy. The CDC BMI-for-age growth charts can be found at

7. Childhood Obesity Fun Fruit
Nutrition
Childhood Obesity
Obesity is caused by a caloric imbalance and is stipulated by genetic, behavioral and environmental factors.
Obese youth are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease
Bone and joint complications, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems are all risk factors for children and adolescents who are obese
Obese youth are more prone to becoming overweight adults, resulting in increased risks for adult health problems such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various forms of cancer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Childhood Obesity. Retrieved from
Childhood obesity has more than tripled over the past 30 years, indicating the need for behavior modification in children

8. Alarming Trends Obesity rates are drastically increasing
Desirable physical activity levels are not being met
Increased intake of foods that are high in fat
Adult diseases are developing in children who are obese
World Health Organization. (2010). Childhood Overweight and Obesity. Retrieved from
Obesity rates in children are caused by a variety of factors. Limited physical activity and increased fatty-food intake are two of many factors contributing to disturbing trends in obesity

9. Statistical Data Age 1980 Obesity Rate 2003-04 Obesity Rate 2-5 5.0%
13.9%
6-11
6.5%
18.8%
12-19
17.4%
The Maryland Youth Tobacco survey discovered that adolescents ages years of age have a 11% obesity rate and a 15% overweight rate
The Maryland Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance found that children between the ages of 2-5 years who
were in the WIC Program had a15% obesity rate and a 18% overweight rate
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (n.d.). Prevalence of Childhood Obesity, Nationwide: Data. Retrieved from
The above table displays obesity rates by age and year

10. Promoting Healthy Youth
Healthy lifestyle habits, such as healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing associated diseases
Minimize restaurant and fast food dining
Engage in family meals
Limit television viewing
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Childhood Obesity. Retrieved from
Strategies for preventing healthy youth should be implemented to assist in the combat against childhood obesiitiy

11. Changing The Nutritional Environment in Primary and Secondary Schools
Schools Can Make A Difference
Nutrition and physical activity are essential factors for students
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Addressing Childhood Obesity Through Nutition and Physical Activity: CDC’s Division of Adolescent & School Health. Retrieved from
While the percentage of childhood obesity has significantly increased, primary and secondary schools can assist students and staff with adopting behavior modifications that will aid in prevention obesity

12. The Role of Schools in Confronting Childhood Obesity
The physical activity and eating behaviors that affect weight are influenced by several sectors of society such as the media, schools, faith-based institutions etc.
The involvement of influenced sectors could greatly aid in reversing the epidemic
Wechsler, H., Mckenna, M., Lee, S., & Dietz, W. (2004). Childhood Obsesity. Retrieved from
Influenced sectors should each play a role in assisting with the fight against childhood obesity.

13. The Role of Schools
Schools can not achieve their primary mission of education if students are not physically, mentally, socially fit and healthy
Less emphasis have been placed on a healthy mind and body
Wechsler, H., Mckenna, M., Lee, S., & Dietz,W. (2004). Childhood Obsesity. Retrieved from
The National Association of State Boards of Education have realized that health and success within schools are interrelated
It is imperative for educators, policy makers, and schools to contribute to the obesity epidemic
With more emphasis being placed on standardized testing, school officials and educators have forgotten the necessity of a healthy mind and body

14. Why Do Schools Play such a Huge Role?
Over 95% of our youth are enrolled in schools
Promotion of physical activity and healthy eating have always been a fundamental component of the American educational experience
Studies have shown that well-designed school programs that are implemented can effectively promote the need for physical activity and healthy eating.
Physical activity, good nutrition, physical education and nutrition programs have a huge impact on academic performance
Wechsler, H., Mckenna, M., Lee, S., & Dietz,W. (2004). Childhood Obsesity. Retrieved from
Schools are more capable of making a difference of healthy eating and physical activity, resulting in beneficial outcomes for long term health

15. Improve the school’s nutritional environment
What Can Schools Do ?
Improve the school’s nutritional environment
Improving the nutritional environment in schools can have a positive impact on the health of students

16. Healthy Nutritional Environment
A healthy school nutritional environment places emphasis on teaching and promoting physical activity and nutrition within classrooms and lunch rooms
A healthy nutritional environment can provide positive health messages to students
Wechsler, H., Mckenna, M., Lee, S., & Dietz,W. (2004). Childhood Obsesity. Retrieved from
A healthy nutritional environment provides students with the opportunity to practice and adopt healthy habits

17. CDC’s Published Guidelines That Identify Effective School Policies
Health Education
Physical Education
Health Services
Nutrition Services
Counseling
Psychological and Social Services
Healthy School Environment
Family and Community Involvement
Health Promotion for Staff
Wechsler, H., Mckenna, M., Lee, S., & Dietz,W. (2004). Childhood Obsesity. Retrieved from
Improving the quality of each of these components can assist in promoting healthy lifestyles

18. Health Policies for School
In providing health policies and messages, the lifestyle choices of students would not only be taught in the classroom, but in the environment of each school day
Implementation of such guidelines can increase the likelihood of students adopting behavior modifications

19. Conclusion
The childhood obesity epidemic has grown to become one of the most prevalent public health crisis. Without strong emphasis and contributions from schools, the epidemic is less likely to change.
Wechsler, H., Mckenna, M., Lee, S., & Dietz,W. (2004). Childhood Obsesity. Retrieved from
To reverse the trends in childhood obesity, a strong contribution is needed from schools

20. Lets Step Up and Meet The Challenge
Leadership from us all can make a difference in overcoming the obstacles of eliminating the prevalence of childhood obesity

21. Closing Statements
Although our journey is just beginning, together we can make a difference in promoting the quality of life and health in children
Thank you

22. References
The Obesity Society. (2010). What is Obesity. Retrieved from
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Defining Childhood Overweight and Obesity. Retrieved from
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). About BMI for Children and Teens. Retrieved from
_bmi/about_childrens_bmi.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Childhood Obesity. Retrieved from
World Health Organization. (2010). Childhood Overweight and Obesity. Retrieved from
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (n.d.). Prevalence of Childhood Obesity, Nationwide: Data. Retrieved from
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Addressing Childhood Obesity Through Nutrition and Physical Activity: CDC’s Division of Adolescent & School Health. Retrieved from
Wechsler, H., Mckenna, M., Lee, S., & Dietz, W. (2004). Childhood Obesity. Retrieved from