Reducing Childhood Obesity: Public Policy and Broad- Based Strategies Newark Public Schools Marguerite Leuze, RN, DMH Office of health Services

Major Challenges in Our Communities Food that is available to the children locally Limited food choices in small local stores Much of it is high in fat, sugar, and low in nutrients Lack of affordable fresh, high quality fruits and vegetables

Lack of information concerning appropriate portion sizes Servings are not in line with dietary recommendations –A serving of french fries used to be 2.4 ozs. And 210 calories- it is now 5. 6 ozs. And 530 calories Servings are not based on age and actual need –Children need calories to maintain a healthy weight Healthy Life, 2005

Holiday celebrations, family celebrations, and birthdays center around food Individuals model the cooking and ingredients from what they learned at home, therefore, many cultural dishes are high in fat and sodium Foods are significant to the family, some religious practices, and the community

Activity is not always readily available Parents are concerned for their child’s safety outdoors Increased time watching TV, computer access, and video games Limited access to playgrounds or gym equipment Sports are seasonal and do not usually provide sustained activity

Lack of Information Concerning nutritional requirements Accurate and clear understanding of Nutritional Facts Labels Resources and support that is available in the community As a nation we eat out twice as much as we did twenty years ago, which increases our consumption of empty carbohydrates and high fructose corn syrup Half of all food dollars are spent eating out of the home Healthy Life, 2005

Public Policy Changes and Programs Needed to Reduce Childhood Obesity Increase the number of supermarkets available throughout the city Would allow for healthier choices, increasing Probably increase the choices It would probably be more cost effective Provide transportation

Incorporate Activity Provide accessible activity Provide supervised sites for children and teens to meet formally and informally Support activity and exercise that is fun and healthy; dance, bike riding, roller skating, and sports Provide information on activity that can be done in the home, such as dance and stretches

Community outreach to Families Provide family forums in each ward Incorporate the needs identified in the surveys from the Newark Department of Health and Human Services Provide nutrition information Incorporate activity that can be performed in the home

Identify Healthcare Resources Coordination of resources Referral of obese children and youth to a team of specialists Primary care practitioner Registered Nurse Dietician Counselor Physical therapist Social Worker