In November 2010, the federal government announced that more than $7 million in grants would be given to 14 states to improve child care wellness. The disparities in health-care access and the growing obesity rate among children in the United States create a need for quality wellness programs geared toward kids. These programs are offered through school systems, government agencies and health-care facilities. They are vital to improving the health of many children, particularly those in low-income areas.
Purpose
The purpose of children wellness programs is to provide education and assistance to kids and their families. Objectives include lowering obesity rates and increasing access to recommended vaccinations for children. These programs use a variety of strategies to meet their goals of making children healthier. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Native Diabetes Wellness Program, for example, uses books, art workshops and storytelling to reach kids at high-risk for type 2 diabetes among Native American communities.
Awareness
Schools, community organizations and government agencies develop wellness programs designed to spread awareness on issues affecting children. They offer special events and distribute kid-friendly materials to provide health education. Schools are particularly important in meeting these goals, as some children do not get exposed to healthy behaviors in their homes or other environments. Effective strategies should allow children to get involved in the learning process. A study published in the journal "Appetite" in April 2009 found that kids who participated in a wellness program that included both classroom and interactive activities had increased knowledge about proper nutrition. The students also had more confidence to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their diet.
Health Screenings
Health screenings are another common component of children wellness programs. Some school programs use student weight screenings to determine which children are underweight, suffering from poor nutrition or are at risk for complications related to obesity. Schools in Massachusetts offer health screenings for body mass index and vision in addition to physical examinations. Weight screenings are not without controversy. Some people fear that children with excess weight face further ridicule or isolation due to being labeled overweight or obese.
Family Assistance
Government wellness programs for children often focus on providing families assistance with health-care access. State and local programs are geared toward the specific health and wellness needs of children in a particular area. Agencies offer financial assistance to parents to ensure that children receive proper nutrition and vaccines. Hawaii's children wellness programs, for example, are focused on the issues of obesity, dental care and primary health-care access.
References
- United States Department of Agriculture: Food and Nutrition Service
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Native Diabetes Wellness Program
- Appetite: "Smart Bodies" School Wellness Increased Children's Knowledge of Healthy Nutrition Practices and Self-Efficacy to Consume Fruits and Vegetables
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Office of Health and Human Services: School Health Screenings
- Oxford Journals: BMI Screening in Schools: Helpful or Harmful
- Hawaii State Department of Health: Child Wellness Programs
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