Monday, October 27, 2008
Grey Bruce Health Unit
Childhood Obesity – One Issue Two Solutions
Results of the School Health Action, Planning and Evaluation System (SHAPES) research show improving the health of children in Grey Bruce requires immediate action. The findings illustrate that although children understand the importance of eating well and being active, this is not reflected in their behaviour. The issue requires two solutions in the combination of healthy eating and physical activity to create a culture of wellness.
The SHAPES study is a collaboration of the Bluewater District School Board, Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board, Grey Bruce Health Unit and the Centre for Behavioural Research and Program Evaluation at the University of Waterloo.
According to Dr. Steve Manske, lead investigator for the research project, of the 2255 students surveyed in grades 5-12 the results indicate:
Only 25% of students typically consume sufficient fruits and vegetables.
40% of students reported eating “junk foods” four or more times per day.
Less than 50% of children are having breakfast each morning before school.
14% of students report getting no activity either in or outside of school.
At least one in four of those sampled spend three or more hours daily in front of a TV, computer screen or on the phone.
“These results correlate with my findings that the dietary pattern for Grey Bruce children is an excess of energy intake, leading to obesity in some children.” says Dr. Tracey Galloway, University of Toronto, School of Public Health, lead investigator for the 2006 Bluewater Nutrition Study.
Childhood obesity is a complex issue. “The simple balance of energy expenditure and food intake becomes a huge maze of contributing factors when we look at the global picture.” says Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health, Grey Bruce Health Unit. “This problem is truly one that we need the whole village to be part of the solution as we work to make sure our children are first, born healthy and secondly, they live in an environment that encourages healthy attitudes and habits towards food and activity. Let’s make the right choices the easy choices”
Mary Anne Alton, Director of Education, Bluewater District School Board emphasizes the Board’s commitment to supporting a culture of wellness within their organization. “Beginning in February 2009, there will be no pop sold in secondary schools, and there are no deep fat fryers in schools, effective September 2009.” says Alton.
Riel Warrilow, Bluewater Board Student Trustee, is passionate about the role that students can play to support their peers in developing healthy active living lifestyles.
“The Board is working together with our partners to make healthy/active living a reality within our school communities.” says Bruce MacPherson, Director of Education, Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board.
A Peaceful Playground demonstration by students from Notre Dame Catholic School illustrates how peer teaching can influence the positive energy on the playground and within the classroom. The Peaceful Playground program is a joint project with Public Health with financial support from Grey Bruce Partners in Health.
Dr. Steve Manske - Presentation Summary
For more information:
Lynda Bumstead
Program Manager, Chronic Disease Prevention Team
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1463
|