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Natalie B. Allen, Med, RD, LD, Haylee B. Ross, RD, LD, and Amanda S. Clover, RD, LD. School Outreach and Youth Development, BJC HealthCare, 600 South Taylor Avenue, Suite 124, Mailstop 90-94-205, St. Louis, MO 63110, 314-286-0527, nba6160@bjc.org
Childhood obesity continues to be a problem plaguing young Americans, as the number of obese children has doubled in the past two decades. Part of the solution to this problem involves educating school-aged students on nutrition. Arming them with good, sound principles, can lead to a lifetime of healthier choices. A unique partnership between BJC HealthCare and local schools shows how bringing nutrition to students is feasible and beneficial for both parties. “Fun”tastic Nutrition is a 6-week class offered to students grades K-12 with impressive results. Since its inception in 1998, this program has reached over 100,000 students, with 99% saying they would recommend it be taught again in their school. Attitude and behavior change is evident with 90% of students self-reporting diet/exercise changes. Pre and post-testing measure outcomes and knowledge gained in the areas taught. The current overall improvement rate is 60%. Curriculum ties with state achievement test standards. Student and teacher evaluations give the program high marks, with a 98% satisfaction score. The three dietitians who teach this curriculum are filled a year in advance, thus demonstrating the great need for this type of program. As an effective way to meet the increasing demands, a training manual for educators was written and copyrighted. This arrangement between a hospital system and school districts is extraordinary; BJC helps reach a variety of students, who may not otherwise learn good nutrition practices, thus hopefully decreasing future healthcare costs.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.