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Every year the Seminole County Health Department's School Health Program conducts health screenings of children in grades 1, 3, and 6, and any other student referred by a parent or teacher in the public schools. Screening services focus on growth and development, blood pressure and dental. Based on the screening, the program then notifies parents of the results of the screenings, including their BMI, and whether any problems have been identified. This is done according to Florida Statue 381.0056 School Health Services Program.

Based on 2006-2007 statistics, 66,349 children from 73 public schools in Seminole County were screened, according to law. In addition, 10,103 children from 59 private schools were also screened. The findings; 63 percent are within the normal weight range for age and stature, while 2 percent are underweight and 16 percent are at-risk for being overweight and 17 percent are overweight.

The School Health program staff reviews immunization and physical exam records of students in the private schools in Seminole County and submits the Compulsory Immunization Report for Grades K and 7. This record review is in accordance with Florida Statue 1003.22. Upon request from the private school, the health department provides screenings for vision, hearing, scoliosis, growth and development and blood pressure in age appropriate grades.

All students, regardless of their screening results, are notified of their BMI status and any other unusual findings for further follow-up via sealed letter that is handed to the child, at school, to take home to their parents. This letter is an explanation of BMI and the possible risk the child may have. Also, resources for parents are given to help them if they need it. Through state funding, any family regardless of their child's health status, can access nutritional counseling to aid in maintaining proper nutrition for the family.

Although the purpose of the screening and letter is to assist families in monitoring the health status of their children, some misconceptions have arisen over time. For example, some families believe only children overweight or at risk of being overweight receive this letter, or some parents are concerned about confidentiality. In reality, all screened children receive a letter with their screening results. The letter is in a sealed enveloped so unless the child opens the letter and shows it to other classmates, there is no way for others to know a child's status.

In addition, the letter informs parents of any potential health risks their child might have. Parents of children with a too high or low BMI are also encouraged to start a discussion with their child's pediatrician to determine what needs to be done, if anything. This screening is merely a tool for parents to allow them to know of associated risk with too high or low BMI.

The schools food service program is required to meet federal requirements to offer nutritionally sound breakfast and lunch meals to students. Their guidelines are specific to calorie count, total fat and saturated fat, protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C in order to meet USDA guidelines. Children are still given choices for their menu selection but proper nutrition education and reinforcement from the schools, parents and community will help that child make the right decisions. For more information on nutrition and school menus in Seminole County Public Schools, please visit http://foodservice.scps.k12.fl.us/.

Good nutrition is not the only important aspect in having a healthy child. It is also important to have an appropriate amount of physical activity or exercise each week. The CDC recommends 60 or more minutes of physical activity each day. This can include a combination of moderate intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or even active play. We encourage all parents to engage in playing outdoors with their children from riding bikes together to throwing a ball around. Not only will it improve the entire family's health but strengthen it as well.

For more information on exercise please visit www.flgov.com/release/9371 or www.healthyfloridians.org.

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