Davis County School Health Services      

641-664-2200 Ext. 1120

Lesle J. Kouba RN, MSN & Lynn Shumate RN, BSN

School Wellness Program
    Across the nation, schools have formulated wellness policies with activities designed to both promote maximum wellness in students and prevent the many serious consequences of childhood obesity.
    At Davis County, we are moving closer to an environment that encourages water for thirst, more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, and low fat/fat free milk for lunch and snacks.
    Health screening reports are sent home in October and May. Growth measurements and BMI-for-age calculations will help families to see whether their child's weight falls within the wide range of healthy weights. This information is the first step that empowers families to look at what changes may need to be made at home to help their child avoid the lifelong consequences of being overweight, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, back and knee problems, gall bladder disease, and even some cancers.
    The habits children form today become their picture of normal and desirable. When healthy eating and daily exercise are everyday events, children can avoid the frustration of a lifetime of trying to break unhealthy habits.

My child's BMI-for-age falls in the overweight range. What should I do?

1. Start with a visit to your family doctor for a physical. Perhaps there is an underlying health problem. You may want to request a check for Type 2 diabetes.

2. Check out  http://www.mypyramid.gov . This web site has much information on what foods are needed by your child daily and in what amounts, plus much more.

3. Consider removing "junk food" from your home. Are foods or drinks that are high in sugar or fat eaten daily? Start the switch to healthier items. It's apple season and there are many varieties of wonderful sweet apples.

4. Make the change to low fat (1%) or fat free milk. If your family resists the change, move slowly in that direction by mixing lower fat milk with what you currently drink. Soon, it will taste right to them. Only 1% and fat free are served at school.

5. Get more active. Take family walks, bike rides, or trips to the rec center. Could your child walk to and from school instead of riding? Park further away when shopping. Play in the snow, go bowling....whatever your family would enjoy.

6. When enjoying a special treat, have a small size instead of large.

7. "Resign" from the "clean plate club". Children often know when they have had enough to eat, and they will stop unless they are told to eat more.

8. Avoid making high calorie food items a reward for behavior. Reward with a fun activity instead.

With growing children, even small improvements in eating habits can help. Overweight children usually should not diet, but slow down their weight gain so that a healthier weight will be reached as they grow taller.

Listed below are some good informative links for you to check out:

*Parents, if you have a web site you would like to suggest we add to these links, please email either Lesle Kouba or Lynn Shumate.

Email Mrs. Kouba

Email Mrs. Shumate

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