by KIM HILSENBECK
People who live in the second-largest state in the nation are fond of the saying, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.”
That now applies to our waistlines, including those of our children, as well. In Texas, one in three kids is considered obese by the medical profession.
“Some families are unaware of how unhealthy their child’s weight is,” said Dr. Anna Lincoln of Pediatric Junction in Buda. “And since obesity is up among Americans overall, it creates the perception of normalcy.”
Being overweight has many health implications for children, says Lincoln, including increased risks for heart trouble, high blood pressure, diabetes and knee joint problems. Ruth Roberts, director of student health for Hays CISD added insulin resistance and even sleep apnea, which carries additional risks to young bodies, to that list.
Hays CISD is taking steps to combat childhood obesity, which some experts call an epidemic. For example, the district is using data from state-mandated Fitnessgrams – required screenings for all students starting in third grade – to develop fitness maps of the neighborhoods that feed into the schools.
With help from a nonprofit organization called Children’s Optimal Health, Hays CISD will produce maps showing concentrations of children who are in the 85th percentile or above on the body mass index. The maps will show the neighborhoods where all Hays CISD children live, with distinct markings for those who are overweight and obese, based on their Fitnessgram.
Roberts said the maps, which will be presented at a district obesity summit in May, will also show access to parks and green space, grocery stores and fast food restaurants.
“Our goal is to work with the community to develop solutions to obesity that will work for Hays CISD,” Roberts said. “We want to be sensitive but honest with families in the district about children’s health and weight and how the two are related.”
During the obesity summit, which is not open to the public, organizers said they hope to connect professionals, community members and advocates to collaborate on improvement in childhood obesity prevention, policies and services.
Roberts said the summit attendees will include local health care professionals, city leaders, grocery store representatives, law enforcement, parks and recreation department personnel, and district employees from various areas.
“The purpose of the summit,” said Whitney Self, a fitness and wellness instructor with Hays CISD, “is to devise a strategic plan; not only our school district, but also our community.”
Obesity Resources Around Hays County
Around the community, several organizations and agencies including Hays CISD are working to address the issue of overweight children and families. Below is a list of resources and programs:
Power in Pairs
A team of seven Texas State University students organized this initiative to make Central Texas healthier through fun activities, events and contests. The group’s goal is to encourage partnering with a friend, team member or family to stay motivated and encourage each other for a healthier lifestyle. At Lehman High, the group encourages students to pledge to give up one unhealthy food item and commit to a consistent exercise routine. The group plans activities around the community including healthy Saturdays at Kyle H-E-B. Visit www.powerinpairs.webs.com.
Hays CISD WELL Clinic, located at Simon Middle School
3839 East FM 150
Kyle, TX 78640
(512) 268-5218
Hays Communities YMCA
Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It! (MEND)
(see School Brief for information)
Hays County Diabetes Coalition
“Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” classes
Tuesdays in May, 5:45-7:45 p.m.
New Kyle Public Library (512) 393-2120
Free Health Screenings:
All H-E-B pharmacies host free health screenings on the 2nd Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. and noon. For a find your own BMI calculator, visit: http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/bmi-chart.html
