A new study shows schools may help a child’s long term heart health. By introducing fruits and vegetables, encouraging physical activity, and offering health lessons they are improving a child’s cholesterol levels and heart rates.
The research was presented at the American Heart Association’s Quality of Care and Outcomes Research 2011 Scientific Sessions.
“This four-year school intervention in Ann Arbor, Mich., was designed to promote healthier lifestyle choices and it shows that programs like this could have long-term impact on obesity and other health risks,” said Elizabeth A. Jackson, M.D., M.P.H., co-author of the study and assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan. “Such changes may have sustained benefits in terms of reducing incidences of diabetes and cardiovascular disease as the students age.”
The program, called Project Healthy Schools, is a collaboration between the University of Michigan and local community and business organizations working to improve the health of middle school students.
Specifically, the program goals for the students included:
· Eating more fruits and vegetables;
· Eating less fatty foods;
· Making better beverage choices;
· Getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week; and
· Spending less time in front of the TV and computer.
Through a four year study, with close to 600 students participating, researchers tracked student’s diet, activity levels, cholesterol, and other behaviors. After four years, the results show students continued to make health-conscious decisions.
Kids and Obesity
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. “The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%.”
Obese children are more likely to have medical problems like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. They are more likely to have low self esteem, bone and joint issues, and are more prone to sleeping disorders.
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