The Holbrook School District is emphasizing the importance of exercise and a healthy diet in an effort to lower the obesity rates in the district.
Superintendent Robbie Koerperich presented information to the district governing board that showed just how many students are dealing with weight concerns and the health impact that it causes.
Taking the height and weight of each student and utilizing a computer program that indicates Body Mass Index, the calculations show that 36 percent of kindergartners are overweight, with 13 percent of those obese.
The kindergartners from 2014 are now second graders and the rates have not changed much over the years. Twenty-seven percent of second graders are obese and 44 percent are overweight. This is a slight reduction for this group since they were kindergartners when 24 percent were obese and 41 percent were overweight.
For fourth graders, in 2016 the obesity rate was 27 percent and 41 percent were overweight. This is an increased obesity rate of two percent for this same group two years ago and the rate is the same for those who are overweight.
In the seventh grade, 41 percent of the students are obese and 55 percent are overweight. This shows a substantial increase for the same group in the fourth grade, where 26 percent were obese and 45 percent were overweight.
According to Dr. Koerperich, the culprits are an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. The district is addressing these issues by providing healthier foods on campus, and promoting the benefits of healthy eating and ways to enjoy healthy foods. The district is also promoting activity, with the addition of a new gym last year and an ongoing effort to implement physical activity both during and after school.
The outreach is due not only to a concern over excess weight, but also because being overweight can affect the overall health of a student. District-wide, 367 students have medical needs. That amounts to quarter of the student population. These health issues include 160 students suffering from asthma, 47 with severe allergies, 36 with Attention Deficit Disorder, 11 with seizures, 24 with urgent dental issues (not including Indian Wells Elementary School), and 70 with chronic health problems such as diabetes, lupus and orthopedic problems.
To tackle some of those issues the district provides dental screenings and sealants for Native American students through Indian Health Services, as well as vision and hearing screenings for all students. As part of their curriculum, students are learning the importance of a healthy lifestyle through extracurricular activities such as Fuel Up to Play 60, Race Across America, and Family Fun and Fitness Night, which involve the entire family in the effort.
In the lunchroom, fruit and veggie bars are available for snacks, and whole grain breads are offered, as well as second helpings of fruits and vegetables. The new healthy lunches provide a third of the average daily calories students need and at least two ounces of protein.
The school is also receiving grants to promote its efforts not only for students, but for employees.
Koerperich listed several goals to be met by April of this year. They include a student health goal that all students will be exposed to healthy alternatives for food and beverages, all staff will have the opportunity to participate in a wellness program, and parental involvement health and wellness information will be available at school functions.
