With an estimated 13 million children and adolescents considered obese, school systems and health officials have been diligently searching for ways help kids be healthier. From changes in school cafeteria food to increased daily physical activities, the changes have been widespread and are beginning to get results.
"A recent CDC study shows that the share of school cafeterias offering their students French fries as the only vegetable item on their menus has dropped from 40 percent in 2000 to 18.8 percent in 2006... A...program in Texas, close to El Paso, has helped reduce the percentage of children with weight problems from 25.8 percent in 2002 to 23.4 percent in 2005."
There's still a long way to go, but all indications are that the health of the nation's children is slowly improving. Because children spend less than 20 percent of their time in school, it's important for parents to take positive steps at home, too.
Labels: nutrition, schools