1. Family Practice Residency
‘100 Days, Get Moving!’ Teaching fifth-graders how to develop healthier lifestyles
Scott Wissink, MD
Third-year Resident
UPMC St. Margaret
Family Practice Residency
Pittsburgh, PA

2. Objectives
On completion of this lecture, the participants should be able to:
Utilize online resources to encourage healthier lifestyles for children and adolescents
Incorporate the use of pedometers to monitor activity among children and adolescents
Understand/ Recognize the challenges involved in initiating and maintaining a fitness program in a public elementary school setting

3. Background
More than 15% of children between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight
Studies show that overweight and obese children have up to an 80% chance of becoming overweight and obese adults
These children are at risk for many associated negative health and social consequences
The epidemic is certainly multi-factorial
There is a growing awareness of the need to create neighborhoods which are more pedestrian friendly in order to encourage physical activity

4. Background
Pedometers have been studied to accurately measure activity levels in both adults and children
Several on-line websites allow users to log pedometer steps and convert them into mileage toward virtual walking trips
Lesson plans tailored to kids are available which incorporate use of pedometers in gym, math, geography, and activities outside of school

5. Project Format
Students in 2 fifth grade classes and their teachers are provided with pedometers
Each student logs his or her steps daily using a website which is specifically designed for this age group
Using their recorded pedometer steps, a website allows students either individually or collectively to take a “virtual walk” across the United States and children can track their progress as they move from state to state

6. Project Format
To embellish healthy habits, groups of students collaborate to make posters with an assigned topic, which are displayed in the classrooms

7. Project Format
Geography lessons are incorporated by the teachers as each class makes progress from state to state as the website provides information about each new state they reach
The students can win playground equipment for their class as an incentive to walk the most mileage
The two classes compete with each other for a trophy, which the winning class displays until the competition begins again the following year

8. Project Format
Before and after the 100 days, the students’ blood pressure (BP) is measured and their Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated
Each student also completes a fitness survey both before and after the 100 days

9. Fitness Survey

10. Goals
Assess baseline fitness levels and BMI of inner-city fifth graders
Utilize pedometers and the Log It website designed for children to encourage increased activity levels
Use incentives such as playground equipment and competition with another class to increase motivation
Encourage implementation of healthy lifestyle choices to prevent obesity

11. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

12. Pittsburgh Green Spaces

13. Friendship Neighborhood

15. Friendship School

16. Friendship School

17. Friendship School

18. Pedometers

19. Online Resources

24. Results Average BMI percentiles for age Spring 2005 Fall 2005
Class 1 pre = 75.1 (range 25-99)
post = 76.1 (range 22-99)
Class 2 pre = 78.0 (range )
post = 75.5 (range )
Fall 2005
Class 1 pre = 66.2 (range 12-99)
Class 2 pre = 70.4 (range 2-100)

25. Results BMI greater than 85th percentile for age
(at risk for overweight)
Spring 2005
Class 1 pre = 8/17 (47%)
post = 9/17 (53%)
Class 2 pre = 7/18 (39%)
post = 7/18 (39%)
Fall 2005
Class 1 pre = 8/20 (40%)
Class 2 pre = 9/21 (43%)

26. Challenges
Variable levels of computer proficiency and willingness to use online resources among both students and teachers
Getting kids and teachers engaged initially and maintaining their dedication throughout the project
Broken or lost pedometers
Safe and appropriate walking areas
Weather
Accuracy of documentation of steps
Time allotted during school for activity

27. Future Directions
Partner with urban developers affiliated with Carnegie Mellon University in order to design safer walking environments
Partner with similar projects at the middle school and high school level in Pittsburgh
Partner with Highmark to implement citywide or statewide program
Continue the project during Fellowship focusing on kids’ attitudes toward pedometer use

28. Important Roles Students Parents Principal Classroom Teachers
School Nurse
Gym Teacher
Keyboarding Teacher
Funding Sources

29. Funding For their contributions to the project Thank you to:
St. Margaret Foundation
Friendship School
Wal-Mart
For their contributions to the project

30. Online Resources www.panaonline.org

31. Online Resources www.reutershealth.com/wellconnected/doc53.html