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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Carolyn Kramer, MPH¹, Kirsten Frandsen, BS¹, Lorrie Alfonsi, MSW², Daniel Lessler, MD, MHA³, and James Krieger, MD, MPH⁴. (1) Seattle School District, P.O. Box 34165, MS 31-650, 2445 3rd Ave South, Seattle, WA 98134, 206.252.0754, cjkramer@seattleschools.org, (2) King County Steps to Health, Public Health - Seattle & King County, 7300 Perimeter Road, Room 128, Seattle, WA 98108, (3) Ambulatory Care, Harborview Medical Center/University of Washington, 325 9th Ave, Box 359704, Seattle, WA 98104, (4) Epidemiology, Planning and Evaluation, Seattle King County Public Health, 999 Third Avenue, Suite 1200, Seattle, WA 98104

Background: The Institute of Medicine recognizes the role of nutrition and physical activity in pediatric obesity prevention. STEPS to Health King County (SHKC) has pursued a policy-oriented approach to obesity prevention in schools by creating an infrastructure for development and implementation of nutrition and physical activity policies.

Methods: With SHKC funding, two school-based health promotion coordinators were hired. The coordinators assist school leadership in the development and adoption of physical activity and nutrition policies; direct implementation of obesity prevention initiatives in schools; and develop tools, train staff and foster partnerships with community-based organizations that support and sustain obesity prevention efforts.

Results: Seattle School District has adopted competitive nutrition policies that mandate the sale of healthy vending items and improvements in the nutritional content of school lunches. In addition, a physical activity policy requiring the implementation of evidence-based physical education curricula has been adopted. Policy implementation activities include menu changes that provide ethnic foods made with fresh/unprocessed ingredients and efforts to increase breakfast participation, walk-to-school activities and a web-based nutrition calculator that enables vendors, parents and school staff to determine if snacks meet pre-determined “healthy food” criteria. Schools also offer referrals to after-school physical activity programs and community organizations supporting obesity prevention efforts. Lastly, newly developed fitness and Nutrition committees provide policy recommendations.

Conclusion: School-based obesity prevention can be achieved through dedicated ”school champions” pursuing an integrated strategy that creates buy-in from leadership, emphasizes policy development and implementation, and facilitates linkages with community partners.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe how a policy-driven approach to obesity prevention in schools can result in sustainable change. 2. Identify how linkages to community-based resources can support implementation of school-based obesity-prevention policies.
• Understand the importance of dedicated ”school champions” for successful policy development and implementation

Keywords: Obesity, School-Based Programs

Related Web page: www.metrokc.gov/health/steps/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No