Teen Obesity : How Schools Can Be the Number One Solution to the Problem

There is an epidemic of student obesity in America, and educators are ideally situated to identify, intervene, educate, and support overweight students who are headed for long-term illness or premature death.

Such an effort will require changes in the way that schools operate.

These changes can be implemented with a low-cost budget and by restructuring staff and resources that are currently in place. Fibkins proposes a Circle of Wellness model for schools that includes an intervention effort to promote a health-oriented cafeteria; increased physical activity; healthy levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar; life-skills training groups offered by counselors; outreach to parents; and easy access and referral to community health, mental health, and recreation resources.

Teen Obesity will be of interest to administrators, teachers, and parents. To learn more, visit www.williamfibkins.com.