Northeast Elementary Magnet School, in Danville, Ill., won a gold medal for fighting childhood obesity with a "no cupcakes" policy, active learning, classroom fitness and improved school nutrition. Northeast is the first elementary school to win the Alliance for a Healthier Generation award. Here's a look at AHG, Northeast's anti-obesity initiatives and how parents are responding.
What is the Alliance for a Healthier Generation?
AHG is a partnership between the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation. It connects with health care professionals, community resources, television foodies, diet gurus, as well as school. AHG has lots of big names onboard: Jillian Michaels, Rachel Ray, Top Chef winners and former President Bill Clinton. AHG awards health initiatives that fight childhood obesity.
Why are schools rethinking health issues?
Thirty percent of children, ages 2-19, in the U.S. are overweight and 17 percent are obese. This rate has tripled over the last 30 years. BMI, or Body Mass Index (weight-to-height ratio) is calculated differently in children than with adults. A child's BMI is compared to national developmental averages or growth percentiles. What percentile a child's BMI puts him in depends upon age and gender. Generally, a BMI over 25-27 is considered overweight. Childhood obesity is most prevalent among low-income families, who lack access to healthier foods. Children in rougher areas often cannot safely walk to school or play outside, and so do not get enough exercise.
What changes has Northeast Elementary made in its school meal menus?
There is a zero-tolerance policy for junk food, candy and soda pop. Parent's may not send sweet treats for birthdays or classroom parties. Breakfasts feature low-sugar cereals and entrees. Low-fat plain white milk is the beverage of choice. There are plenty of fresh vegetable options. Lunch menus serve fresh fruit as a dessert. Northeast has dropped fried foods from the menu. Children are taught how to read nutrition data charts and choose more nutritious foods.
What about fitness initiatives?
Students exercise every day. They are actively engaged in lessons, and don't just sit passively doing sedentary activities. Teachers wear pedometers. This helps kids see how easy it is to burn calories just in daily activities. It makes exercise seem more doable and enjoyable.
Is it just physical health that Northeast is concerned with?
No. Emotional well-being is one of Northeast's goals, too. The school teaches positive self-image and healthy attitudes toward food. Sweet treats aren't used as rewards or withheld as punishment. Children report liking Northeast's proactive emphasis. They take pride in their school's healthy approach. Northeast also encourages healthy eating as a way to improve learning, retention, even attendance. Obese kids tend to have other health problems and miss more school than peers of normal weight.
How do parents feel about the "no sweets" changes?
Republican vice-presidential hopeful and tea partier, Sarah Palin, may not like being told what to send for birthday treats and classroom parties. Last year, Palin decried a Pennsylvania school's "no cookie/sweets" policy. Palin said she would bake cookies to prove that these policies represent "a nanny state run amok." That was at a wealthy private school.
Parents at Northeast, located in a blue-collar, working-class neighborhood, see it a little differently. If enrollment numbers are any indication, parents appreciate the school's healthy lifestyles focus. Despite its humble location, Northeast is over-booked for kindergarten next year: 80 applicants are vying for 48 slots.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes about parenting issues from 23 years raising four children and 25 years teaching K-8, special needs, adult education and homeschool.
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