Getting Fit

Childhood obesity is on the rise. This is a fact. Working as a School Nurse I have seen it first hand. We are required to send letters home to the parents for those who are at risk (BMI greater than 85%) & those who are over. Lots of paperwork & mundane calculations.

How do we encourage & teach these kids about getting fit? I am always brainstorming for new ideas "How can I connect with these kids?" Then last night while laying in bed, the light bulb went off. The Wii Fit! I know from recent experience with one that it is a great workout. Goals are set, you create a virtual trainer & your progress is tracked. Of course not everyone will have one. But if I know a student has one or a parent asks for advice, this may be a suggestion.

http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/Calculator.aspx

Percentile Range:

Underweight -Less than the 5th percentile
Healthy weight-5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile
At risk of overweight-85th to less than the 95th percentile
Overweight-Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile