An ongoing mission of mine has been to stem the tide of obesity that is washing over New York’s children. According to the Centers for Disease Control, America’s children have become the heaviest and most out of shape they have ever been. The health of children today could very well determine their health as adults. It could also impact the soaring cost of health care here in New York and across the United States. Recent studies show that nearly 10 percent of overall health care spending is directly tied to obesity and overweight-related illnesses, and that percentage will certainly continue to grow. Dr. Leonard Epstein, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Buffalo, recently stated that unless today’s children change their eating and exercise habits, their generation could be the first no to outlive their parents. If that scary prediction does not motivate us to do something, nothing will.
So how can we help our young people battle obesity? Why not start in the place where most children spend the bulk of their day: school. With support, schools can provide an environment that helps foster healthy eating and activity habits. Last week, I introduced a bill in the State Senate that would require school districts to include body mass index screenings as part of their regular school medical screenings. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a quick and easy way to determine if someone is underweight, overweight, or at risk of becoming overweight. For adults, simple charts using height and weight help you assess your BMI. For children, the BMI formula is age and gender specific, and takes into account normal growth patterns and changes in body fatness as children develop into teenagers.
In addition to mandatory BMI screenings, my bill requires school districts to share the student’s results with his/her parents or guardians. With this information, parents will be able to take preventative action. Identifying weight problems, or the potential of becoming overweight, is no less important than testing young people to ensure that their eyesight and hearing are sound. In addition, screening for BMI could also reassure some young people, particularly teenagers, that they are not overweight. A BMI in the healthy range could help discourage eating disorders and poor body image amongst teens.
Recently, the Federal Government overhauled its dietary guidelines, stressing eating less and moving more. The time is right for this bill, and others, aimed at helping our young people before America’s problem with weight grows even larger.To check your BMI and for helpful tips on staying healthy, click here.
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