Praise and Criticism of the Current System (W7P2)

 With 18.5% of children struggling with obesity(CDC) and a projected diabetes prevalence  of 30% by 2050, lifestyle habit curriculum starting in primary school has never been more important. As of now, the most reputable guideline for schools which aims to integrate public health and education is the "Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child" model from the CDC. Although, it is a good start, it is not required in schools and in many districts is not practiced. Furthermore, there are recommendations that seem unattainable or costly. Simple changes can be made in school systems to dramatically increase longevity and health outcomes. One of the best first steps in teaching students about healthy practices is incorporating brights colors and simple, memorable phrases. The CDC recommends using a lot of posters. The organization should clarify that these posters will not be successful without proper explanation from educators. Perhaps the most effective posters are the "GO", "SLOW", and "WHOA" posters. These posters serve as an indication of the nutritional value of lunch menu options. On top of these posters, menus should be sent home with the youngsters and to all teachers so that the students can discuss food choices and plan their meals ahead of time. On top of offering healthy options and aiding students in making healthy choices, schools should allow students enough time to eat meals and socialize while eating. While giving students the resources to plan ahead is an excellent way at promoting healthy choices, good intentions are often overcome by the temptations offered by the "a la carte" stations and vending machines. To combat these urges, schools can working with local suppliers to provide healthy vending machine and "a la carte" selections and work with surrounding districts to collaborate on health plans. Remember, lifestyle changes cannot be successful without community involvement. Most importantly, schools should use pricing strategies which make the healthier foods the cheaper options. The aspect of this plan that gives it a shot at success is the involvement of families and communities. The CDC recommends that schools initiate farm-to-school programs to promote community support and also, ensure, best freshness. If the fruit is good quality, children will enjoy it. 

    On top of changes that can be made in the cafeteria, certain reformations can be made in the gymnasium. The way our current "Physical Education" curriculum is structured leaves much to be desired. Especially when this course has the potential to change the health outcomes of all young Americans. The required class may be more constructive if it was called "Health and Wellness". Imagine the changes that could result from curriculum focused on equipping children with the knowledge of how to make healthy choices, exercise effectively, and possibly even prepare meals. Alongside this education, PE classes can use pedometers stations, heart rate monitors, and climbing walls to encourage nontraditional ways of working out and healthy competition. The CDC backs the "SHAPE America" national standard for physical education. The standards aims to "develop physically iterate, confident individuals who choose to be active everyday". Although this is a good idea, it does little to explain how to teach this goal, nor does it address health outcomes, the aspect of physical education which should be taught with most importance in this decade. Additionally, the CDC recommends using technology in many aspects of their curriculum, suggesting that it is the great way to "enhance" learning. However, evidence suggests that technology is one of the greatest threats to upcoming generations health. Although the plan is to shift how children use technology, it may be best to exclude this problem from how health education is presented. Many of the standards from the WSCC involve costly methods and technology that are not reasonable for many urban schools. Again, the initiatives do great things in involving the community. All schools should attempt to ensure family and community engagement by promoting open gym after school programs open to families, partnering with parks and recreation to allow kids access to the pool, and provide after school presentations to educate parents on what their children are being taught and additional steps that can be taken at home. When America makes healthy living fun and natural again, it will see massive success. 

    Roosevelt could be the trailblazer fighting to change public health in Des Moines and beyond. The school has made noticeable first steps which are worth mentioning, however, there is still work to be done. Health initiatives that have already been taken by Des Moines Public Schools include the Parks and Recreation partnership, granting excellent students free pool passes--note this could be so much more effective if it offered to all students--,  the MyPlate initiative, and more. The next steps that should be taking by DMPS could be using the pedometer station for grading in PE classrooms, offering open gym times at night, and using the "GO", "SLOW", and "WHOA" posters which are easy and cheap initiatives that can be instated immediately.