Study: School nurses could help to reduce obesity

A family-centered, school-based intervention led by school nurses, which uses parents and teachers as role models for healthy eating and other behaviors, could reduce childhood obesity, a study found. Published in the May/June issue of Pediatric Nursing, the study included 37 parents, teachers and classroom aides representing children ages 3 to 5 who participated in weekly 45-minute sessions over four weeks. Based on pre- and post-survey data, children’s fruit and vegetable consumption increased an average of one to five servings a day. Children shared more meals with their family; takeout food consumption decreased; and children spent two hours less each day on screens. The authors attributed the results to a school nurse leading the program and making herself available to answer questions. (Newswise news release, 7/6/23)