Abstract
Childhood obesity is a national healthcare crisis. Obese children are at increased risk for medical, behavioral, emotional, and psychological complications. This school-based program will educate second-grade students about adopting healthier habits. An educational program was developed to support the students with three specific components: physical activity, nutrition, and psychological counseling, capitalizing on positive, trusting relationships between the teachers, school nurse, and students. The goal is to help develop healthier habits by increasing physical activity, providing guidance for better nutrition, and decrease BMI. Parents will be supported and provided tools for the ability to sustain this in the home. After completion of the first year of this program, the school nurse will collect data and continue to evaluate participants in third grade to see if these practices have been sustained over the year.
