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Health & Wellness Plans for Students
Wednesday, Jan 09, 2008 - 06:15 PM Updated: 04:08 PM
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Save This PageSchool district leaders want to combat childhood obesity.
Almost 20% of American kids ages 6 to 11 are obese. Teens are close behind at just over 17%.
3 On Your Side Education Reporter, Randi Hempel, attended this afternoon’s school board meeting and has details on the plan.
A wellness policy has only been in effect in the Savannah-Chatham school district since June of 2006.
It focuses on both nutrition and physical fitness, all in an effort to stress the importance of beginning and sticking with a healthy lifestyle early in life.
"To teach them proper eating habits, to teach them the importance of being physically active in our phys ed classes and in our regular classes. It's important to model good behavior as a teacher and it's very important for that to carry over into the household." Explains Michele Hartzell, Director of Health and Physical Education.
The district is partnering with the City of Savannah and other organizations to do an assessment on community wellness so they can make changes to the current policy.
They'll look at the types of food being served at lunch and during after school programs. Under the plan, district personnel will conduct annual assessments of students’ heights and weights. The goal is to then compile the data and make assessments so they can make necessary changes which will target the problem areas.
Here at WSAV, we're on your side with advice on keeping in shape. Click here for the move it for your health section.
