School Based Health Center

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Weight Concerns

The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled in the last 20 years. About 35% of children in the U.S. are overweight or obese.  Why does this matter?  Being overweight puts them at increased risk for things like: asthma, diabetes, gallstones, heart problems, high blood pressure, liver problems, menstrual problems, metabolic syndrome, and problems sleeping.  For more information, see chart below or check out Health Risks of Overweight Children. 
 
There is often also a social stigma associated with overweight children and adolescents, and/or it can affect ones self esteem.  At the School Based Health Center, we work to positively and empathetically work with students and families to make better health choices.
 
We are currently in the process of developing an educational weight loss and maintanance program that emphasizes healthy lifestyle choices.  If you or your student are interested in joining this program, please contact us or come in to the clinic.
One Formula for a Healthy Life: 5-2-1-Almost None
  • Eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day,
  • Watching two or fewer hours of screen time a day,
  • Getting one or more hours of physical activity a day,
  • And drinking almost no sugary beverages.

An Easy Way to Remember What to Eat: Go, Whoa, Slow

GO Foods are:

  • Lowest in fat and sugar
  • Relatively low in calories
  • "Nutrient dense" (rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients important to health)
  • Great to eat anytime

Examples include:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
  • Lean meat, poultry, fish
  • Beans, eggs, and nuts

SLOW Foods are:

  • Higher in fat, added sugar, and calories
  • To be eaten sometimes/less often

WHOA Foods are:

  • Highest in fat and added sugar
  • "Calorie-dense" (high in calories)
  • Often low in nutrients
  • To be eaten only once in a while/on special occasions, in small portions
For more information, check out the WE CAN program!
 
 
 
Source:http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/images/ff_0508_heavierheavier_500.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/content_redirect.cfm%3Fcontent_id%3D211380&usg=__D_ISfX-M2gkG4n7dNknigGepmAQ=&h=610&w=500&sz=43&hl=en&start=15&um=1&tbnid=5JKQFYdoaxSZ-M:&tbnh=136&tbnw=111&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpediatric%2Bobesity%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1

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