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/youth
campaign/materials/adults/pdf/Time_For_Kids_Parents.pdf
