Abstract
Many organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Academies of Science have called on schools to address childhood obesity and provide more opportunities for children to be active and eat healthier. This study discusses the impact that one comprehensive school program, Building Healthy Communities (BHC), had on school policy across 40 Midwest elementary schools. The study aim was to assess elementary schools that participated in the BHC whole-of-school intervention and examine the policy changes that took place during the year-long intervention, as well as proposed changes made as part of a sustainability plan. Findings indicated that evidenced-based tools can spur awareness of the need for health-based school change among administration, which in turn can prompt the adoption of school-level adherence policies. The intersection between school-based health policy and community-based youth programs is explored as an important part of comprehensive youth health promotion.
Highlights
In the United States and around the world, it is well known that youth have high rates of overweight and obesity and this can lead to health issues later in life (Ogden, Carol, Kit, & Flegal, 2014)
The Building Healthy Communities (BHC) program is composed of six key components: (a) principal engagement, (b) quality physical education, (c) classroom education regarding healthy eating and physical activity, (d) active recess, (e) student leadership team, and (f) healthy kids club
As part of the Healthy School Action Tool (HSAT) assessment, schools were presented with a school-specific action plan of items that they could improve in their school environment
Summary
Building Healthy CommunitiesIn the United States and around the world, it is well known that youth have high rates of overweight and obesity and this can lead to health issues later in life (Ogden, Carol, Kit, & Flegal, 2014). Over one-third of America’s youth are overweight or obese and this leads to higher incidences of co-morbidities including, high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health issues, both when they are young and leading into their adult lives (Pulgarón, 2013). Improved healthy habits, such as increased physical activity and healthy eating behaviors, can impact weight status and stave off chronic disease later in life (Singh, Mulder, Twisk, Van Mechelen, & Chinapaw, 2008). A new conceptualization of this strategy calls for schools to engage in community partnerships as a means to create more opportunities for children to be active before, during, and after school (Gamble, Chatfield, Cormack, & Hallam, 2017)
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