A Simple Concept for Children's Health

So much of what comes across my computer -- in the way of Google and New York Times alerts, and even e-mails from distraught parents and teachers -- is bad news. Or disturbing, discouraging, or all of the above.

I read that recess and physical education are being cut. That children are overweight, obese, and suffering from symptoms formerly seen in adults only. That French fries are the number-one vegetable and viewing television the number-one "activity." It's even frustrating to learn that banning cupcakes is considered a solution to what's ailing our children!

But today I came across a great story about a school program that makes sense -- and a campaign that's as simple as it is logical. And it's all happening right here in my state of New Hampshire!

At the Greenland Central School, a kindergarten-through-eighth-grade school, "exercising more and eating well are front and center" in this year's curriculum. Says Beth Sommers, the school's curriculum integration and extended learning coordinator, "Our goal here at the Greenland Central School is to support a healthy school environment." Then she uttered one of my favorite sentiments: "The idea is everything in moderation."

The initiative is being implemented in a variety of ways -- even through music and theatrical productions -- which I really appreciate, because it ensures that more children will get the message. And once they get it, it's more likely to stick.

The campaign is called "5-2-1-0 Healthy NH," and it's a statewide public education campaign intended to bring awareness to the daily guidelines for nutrition and physical activity. Its message is simple and clear and represents some of the most important steps families can take to prevent childhood obesity. Here's its message:

5 Fruits and vegetables...more matters! Eat at least 5 servings a day. Limit 100% fruit juice.
2 Cut screen time to 2 hours or less a day.
1 Participate in at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
0 Restrict soda and sugar-sweetened sports and fruit drinks. Instead, drink water and 3-4 servings/day of fat-free/skim or 1% milk.

As I said: simple and logical. The initiative also involves resources, including doctors, teachers, and free, reprintable materials. If you're looking for ideas to take to your child's school, 5-2-1-0 might be just the thing!

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Rae Pica
www.movingandlearning.com