School Health
1 in 3 children are overweight or obese. Schools play an important role in helping children make healthy eating choices and physical activity habits while they are young. Healthy habits learned in children’s youth will hopefully be carried into adulthood, which can help prevent obesity and other long-term health problems as an adult. One of the most important things schools can do to help children, is to have a written school wellness policy and enforce that policy. A policy does no good if it is not followed.
A school wellness policy is a written document that guides the school’s efforts to create supportive school nutrition and physical activity environments. It includes things such as nutritional guidelines for all foods on school campus, rules on snacks for classroom parties or special occasions, recess protocol, and more!
Salt Lake County Health Department can help improve your school wellness policies and nutrition and physical activity practices. If your school would like assistance in any of these areas, please reach out to Healthy Living. We will be happy to assist you!
