What’s
a BMI ?
Everyday
we hear, read or see material about the obesity “epidemic” in this country.
Legislation has
been passed in some states banning trans fats in restaurants or soda in school
vending machines in an effort to address obesity and weight related health
problems.
In June 2007 the
Massachusetts General Law was revised mandating that schools conduct annual
height and weight measurements on all students and that the results be
recorded in each student’s Health Record. The
Wellesley Public Schools will continue to comply with this regulation in the
same manner as we conduct annual hearing and vision and postural screenings.
The purpose of
the Annual Height and Weight program is to give parents information about
their child’s growth pattern. The nurses, Health and Fitness staff and/or
trained volunteers conduct the screenings in a non-invasive, confidential
manner with special sensitivity to students’ need for privacy.
After a child’s height
and weight is measured, his/her BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated by
considering the child’s age, height and weight. This is a useful tool in
identifying children and youth who are potentially at risk for weight related
problems. BMI
is simply a screening tool. Many
factors including family history, daily activity and food choices influence a
child’s growth pattern. In most instances the balance between calories
consumed and calories expended largely determines a person’s weight.
The nurses will follow
the guidelines provided by the MDPH to determine BMI findings that are within
normal limits; and will notify parents in writing of students whose screening
results are outside of this range, as is the practice with the hearing, vision
and postural screenings. If you receive a letter stating that your child is
either at risk for being overweight or is overweight, you should not consider
this as the final measure in assessing your child’s growth; but as a signal
that this finding may be something to discuss with their Primary Care Provider.
As a family and a school
community there are many factors to consider when trying to create a healthy
lifestyle. Some
of these include learning how to make healthy food choices at meal and snack
times, being mindful of portion size, limiting TV time not only because it
decreases activity time but it also exposes us to food product and fast food
advertisements; and scheduling activity time on a daily basis.
The Wellesley
Public Schools believe in modeling healthy behaviors in the school setting and
have adopted a Wellness Policy that addresses our food services menu, vending
machines and opportunities for physical activity on a regular basis during the
school day.
Listed below are a few
of the many useful resources available regarding health and wellness:
My Pyramid at http://www.mypyramid.gov/kids/index.html
60:
Play Every Day,
Any Way at http://www.cdc.gov/youthcampaign/marketing/adults/TIme_for_Kids_Family.txt