BRIEF: MOVEMENT BREAKS IN THE CLASSROOM IN BOSTON, MA

This brief summarizes a CHOICES Learning Collaborative Partnership model examining a strategy to integrate movement breaks into school classrooms in Boston, MA. This strategy incorporates five-to-10-minute classroom physical activity breaks during class time in kindergarten to fifth grade classrooms. 

THE ISSUE

One in three first-graders in Boston has overweight or obesity.1 Being physically active can support children in growing up at a healthy weight, though not all schools provide students with the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week or 30 minutes per day.2,3 Regular physical activity can boost brain health, including improved cognition and reduced symptoms of depression.4 Students who are physically active also tend to have better grades, attendance at school, and stronger muscles and bones.4...

https://choicesproject.org/publications/brief-movement-breaks-boston/

Montgomery health agency recommends healthy snacks, tracking student obesity

From The Examiner, courtesy of reporter Kate Jacobson:

Montgomery County's Health Commission is recommending that the county track student obesity and put more nutritious snacks in vending machines, as part of officials' latest efforts to make county residents healthier.

The Health Commission also told the County Council that the county should provide more opportunities for exercise for children and adults, and establish better accommodations for mothers who are breast-feeding.

"We wanted to focus on [issues] with easy implementation," said Commission Chairman Marcos Pesquera, adding that the group looked at multiple government agencies that could benefit from the recommendations.

One of the more detailed plans is to start tracking students' body mass index at certain grade levels to analyze obesity trends. BMI, calculated from a person's weight and height, is often used as a screening tool for potential weight problems.

To read the entire story go here.