Posted by Mary Cahoj on 4/12/2013 to
It’s no LOL matter - childhood obesity is a nationwide problem. It has more than doubled in kids, and tripled in adolescents in the past thirty years. In 2010, more than one-third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. BMI (body mass index) is calculated from a person’s weight and height, and is a reliable indicator of body fat. Kids who are obese are more likely to develop risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. They’re more likely to develop diabetes, bone and joint problems, as well as psychological problems like low self-esteem. Obese kids typically become obese adults, and now become more at risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.
At School Nurse Supply, we want to support developing a healthy lifestyle right from the start. We have a full line of products to help steer children in the right direction. We have health-promoting pamphlets on such related topics as junk food facts, portion control, reasons to exercise, and health consequences of obesity. New items in this year’s catalog include the USDA MyPlate which defines portion sizes, portion control and exercise posters, and new DVD’s which can encourage healthy eating habits in kids as young as preschoolers.
Then when it’s time for testing for BMI, we provide school nurses with the best in precision scales. We sell Detecto, Seca, and Health-o-meter scales, many that come with free gifts from the catalog. In our 2013 Spring Flyer, we have our new Seca 703 BMI scale with height rod which has been specifically designed for weighing overweight patients. This scale not only calculates BMI quickly and easily, the optional software allows you to wirelessly transmit and print the results of the child’s exam for student, nurse, and parents to review.
So, as the school year ends, and the nice weather begins, let’s encourage healthy eating and fun physical activity. Let’s beat obesity!