Healthy Kids Act: Physical activity in schools and BMI surveillance

Proposed HB52 would increase opportunities for children in public elementary schools to be active by allowing schools to design and implement their own physical activity programs, offer 30 minutes of physical activity every day, and prohibit schools from using recess and other physical activities as a way to discipline children.

Childhood obesity is a health crisis nationwide and especially in Kentucky, whose children have the 4th highest rate of childhood obesity in the country. This translates into one in three Kentucky children being obese. Obesity increases the risk for a number of chronic conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and asthma. In addition, overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults.

Experts recommend children engage in 60 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Children who are more physically active have a healthier weight and Body Mass Index (BMI), tend to perform better academically, and show a stronger academic performance. Activity breaks can also improve cognitive performance and classroom behavior.

At least nine other states have comparable or more stringent standards for physical activity in the public schools, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Oregon.

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/10RS/HB52/bill.doc

Menu Labeling in Kentucky

Proposed SB86 and HB246 would alter the manner in which restaurants display caloric information, and would require all restaurants with 20 or more locations in the United States to provide nutrient content statements for everything served on menus, inside menu boards, and drive through windows. More detailed information would be available at the restaurants at the customer’s request; currently there are no requirements that fast food restaurants provide any nutrition information to consumers.

Studies have shown that customers tend to order menu items with fewer calories when the caloric intake is posted in restaurants by an average of 75 calories per order. At this rate, the average person could lose approximately 10 pounds per year.

The food industry also is likely to reduce the calorie content of some items once menu labeling goes into effect. For example, after menu labeling requirements were implemented in New York City, Dunkin’ Donuts reduced the calories in a Glazed Cake Stick from 490 calories to 360 calories, KFC reduced their Firey Buffalo Wings by 110 calories, and McDonalds cut 70 calories in a large order of French fries.

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/10RS/SB86/bill.doc

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/10RS/HB246/bill.doc

Accessing Nutritious Food in Breckinridge

In order to address the alarming increase in childhood obesity, the Breckinridge County Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent continues to partner with the Breckinridge County Headstart program to provide the LEAP (Literacy, Eating and Activity for Primary) program. The program is now in 5 schools (9 classrooms, approximately 140 students a month). All students participate in answering questions about the story, nutrition and importance of physical activity. Each month a newsletter is sent home with the child to the families about the books that were read, a healthy recipe and activities to do as a family. The Breckinridge County Extension Agent visited the parent meetings at each school and provided information on nutrition, physical activity and budgeting to the parents.

To view the entire Building Strong Families for Breckinridge County profile please click here.

Nurturing Families in Breathitt County

In order to address poor literacy rates in Breathitt County an Extension Homemaker Leader training entitled "Feeding Hungry Young Minds Through Storybook Adventures" was taught in 8 counties and reached 61 leaders. Those attending learned the importance of early literacy activities, listened to several examples of children’s literature, and had a hands-on experience with children’s activities that partnered with the books. Evaluations showed 86% planned to encourage parents and grandparents to read to young children. In addition, the LEAP (Literacy, Eating, Activity for Primary) program was used with 10 preschool classrooms for a total of 220 students. This program combines reading with food tasting activities.

To view the entire Building Strong Families for Breathitt County profile please click here.

Making Beneficial Lifestyle Choices in Bracken County

In order to instill good healthy living habits, children need to learn early in life about the importance of eating healthy foods. 54 children participated in Bracken County’s LEAP (Literacy, Eating, Activity, for Pre-School Children) Programs. The LEAP Curriculum was taught with the help of the teachers and extension staff. Nine books were read and lessons were given every 2 weeks for 5 months. A newsletter went home with each student after the lesson. Students learned healthy snacks to eat, the importance of physical activity, food safety, and eating more fruits and vegetables. As a result of this program 90% of the children tried a food they had never tried before and 85% could name the food groups on the food pyramid.

To view the entire Building Strong Families for Bracken County profile please click here.

Accessing Nutritious Food in Boyle County

In order to address community concerns about childhood obesity, Boyle County Extension offered the "Exploring My Pyramid with Professor Popcorn" series to schools in the 2008-09 school year. Fifty K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-grade classrooms requested the series totaling 1,036 students. Another six pre-school classes in county schools requested a modified version of the vegetables lesson for their 96 students. One teacher commented, "Our students learned tons about nutrition! I think it is a great program because many of my students REALLY needed to learn about what is good for them and what is not to stay healthy!"

To view the entire Building Strong Families for Boyle County profile please click here.

Nurturing Families in Boyd County

Some families for a combination of many reasons, struggle to provide for the basic safety, physical, emotional, educational, and nurturing needs of children. Boyd County increased 25% over previous years in the need for foster parents due to child neglect by parents. Early supportive education for parents facing particular challenges can play a critical role in preventing child abuse and neglect. This can enhance young children’s development, later school achievement, and life-long social competence. To reach local parents the Family and Consumer Science Agent in Boyd County taught a combination of adult and child activities to teach nurturing skills to families. 200 families were reached in this series of planned activities for youth and adult participants.

To view the entire Building Strong Families for Boyd County profile please click here.