Teen and child obesity is an issue in America, and students spend long hours at school each day. Why don't schools make a stronger effort to promote a healthier lifestyle to their student body?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In 2009, the USDA conducted a study of the National School Lunch Program and noted that the high consumption of sweets among school breakfasts has "room for improvement."
Serving sweets can be OK -- just not too often. Instead of cinnamon rolls and French toast, the schools should serve food that is healthy. Offering whole grains in foods such as cereal, bagels and toast can provide more fiber, protein and nutrients than white flour, according to Mayo Clinic.
Lunch also can be a healthier time of day. Some days, schools serve pizza, French fries, burgers and chicken nuggets. Again, these foods are acceptable in moderation, but not several times a week.
Many schools offer salad bars and some fruit. This is a healthy choice, but not when paired with fried, breaded food and salad dressing that is full of fat and calories. These foods could easily be substituted with grilled versions, light salad dressing and whole grains.
In addition to diet, physical activity is a major contributor to obesity. Getting active is one of the best ways to get healthy. Schools can improve on this also.
Everyone has to take gym; it's required. Some students enjoy it, but others dread walking through the doors. There is at least one way to make it more appealing to everyone, though.
Teen and child obesity is an issue in America, and students spend long hours at school each day. Why don't schools make a stronger effort to promote a healthier lifestyle to their student body?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In 2009, the USDA conducted a study of the National School Lunch Program and noted that the high consumption of sweets among school breakfasts has "room for improvement."
Serving sweets can be OK -- just not too often. Instead of cinnamon rolls and French toast, the schools should serve food that is healthy. Offering whole grains in foods such as cereal, bagels and toast can provide more fiber, protein and nutrients than white flour, according to Mayo Clinic.
Lunch also can be a healthier time of day. Some days, schools serve pizza, French fries, burgers and chicken nuggets. Again, these foods are acceptable in moderation, but not several times a week.
Many schools offer salad bars and some fruit. This is a healthy choice, but not when paired with fried, breaded food and salad dressing that is full of fat and calories. These foods could easily be substituted with grilled versions, light salad dressing and whole grains.
In addition to diet, physical activity is a major contributor to obesity. Getting active is one of the best ways to get healthy. Schools can improve on this also.
Everyone has to take gym; it's required. Some students enjoy it, but others dread walking through the doors. There is at least one way to make it more appealing to everyone, though.
Numerous classes play group games or activities. While it is good to bring the class together, let's face it: we all want to do our own thing at some point.
Maybe classes could have a free day once or twice a week. During it, students could do any activity they choose (within reason), except sitting and doing nothing, of course.
Getting active is one of the best ways to get healthy, and physical activity doesn't have to be limited to gym class. Why not offer exercise classes to students at a reasonable price?
Last year at St. Albans High School, teachers and staff got together and did Zumba. Classes were held twice a week after school in one of the classrooms. Schools should offer something similar for students.
Healthy living is especially important here; West Virginia is ranked the fourth fattest state in the country! Starting with the kids and teens can help improve the health of our state.
British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver came to Huntington last fall to start a "Food Revolution." He focused, in particular, on schools. He worked with school lunch ladies (and, at Huntington High School, students) to develop healthy recipes that are made from scratch.
Schools around West Virginia can make many changes to the food they serve and the exercise opportunities they provide. The earlier children and teens learn about their bodies and what they can do to keep them healthy, the better they all will be.
