BMI Screenings totally depress me

Specialties School

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So I just completed my BMI screening for first grade. 29% are "overweight" and 19% are obese. So roughly half the first grade is not normal weight. I had no "underweight" kids. It just makes me so sad. I have a 1st grader who weighs 200 pounds, her entire family is morbidly obese and there is nothing I can do, other than send home that referral paper. They know she is fat. They are fat. It is really sad.

I do my health classes, they get healthy food at school, gym class, lots of wiggle breaks. Other than that, there is nothing else I can do. Just makes me sad for these kids and families.

There are so many factors to consider when addressing children who are overweight. If the school really wants to change things I would suggest contacting a nusring school with a DNP program. There are often students whose interest lies in this area, who are looking for a project. Not every project is possible due to legal and logistical issues, but some that I have read about have turned out well.

I also know a school that had its own vegetable garden that was planted and cared for by elementary students. Many disadvantaged families cannot afford healthy foods.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
If the school really wants to change things I would suggest contacting a nusring school with a DNP program. There are often students whose interest lies in this area, who are looking for a project. Not every project is possible due to legal and logistical issues, but some that I have read about have turned out well.

I also know a school that had its own vegetable garden that was planted and cared for by elementary students. Many disadvantaged families cannot afford healthy foods.

Great outside the box thinking!! I love this idea. Unfortunately...I am not sure that we care so much as we have to document that a screening was done. Truly sad.

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Great outside the box thinking!! I love this idea. Unfortunately...I am not sure that we care so much as we have to document that a screening was done. Truly sad.

Maybe in the future. I'm familiar with all that paperwork.

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