Study: 15 percent of PSS students at risk for obesity

Findings compiled by the Public School System for school year 2007-2008 show that 58 percent of children enrolled in public schools are in good health.

Jackie Quitugua, PSS associate commissioner for instructional services, said yesterday that based on the body mass index report, about 15 percent of students are at risk of becoming overweight.

The same findings showed that 20 percent of children enrolled in public schools are considered overweight, while 7 percent are deemed underweight.

PSS had over 11,000 students in school year 2007-2008, from kindergarten to 12th grade, in 20 public schools on Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.

Quitugua said the BMI data were the first collected by PSS and would serve as its baseline for future health studies.

The associate commissioner said the vigilant action of the system’s nutritionist was a big factor in recording progress on the health status of the students.

PSS, she said, has been following the 2005 dietary guidelines, as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and is complying with the food guide permit issued by the Community Guidance Center.

“We’re not reducing and changing [any of these guidelines],” she said.

For the 58 percent healthy students, Quitugua said, PSS continuous to encourage them to stay physically healthy and active while those in the other classifications are being offered assistance by the system.

Quitugua said PSS has been successful in seeing progress in the health of kids through its Project Familia and the board’s Wellness Policy Program.

These successes are also attributed to the active involvement of parents at all grade levels.

She confirmed that one major factor that impacts the health of children is the family’s lifestyle. Parents who are knowledgeable of children’s health issues tend to give more proper guidelines to them, she added.

“We need to work closely with the parents of our at-risk kids…because it starts with the family and their lifestyle,” she said.

Under the Board of Education’s Wellness and Policy Program, a daily 60-minute physical fitness program must be enforced at all grade levels.

Quitugua admitted that, although they wish to give more time to this health activity, PSS needs to balance that with the mandated instructional time for kids.

In the latter part of 2008, PSS suspended the operation of all school cantinas to make sure that what they are selling are nutritious foods and in accordance with the nutritionist’s guidelines. PSS lifted the suspension early this year after fine-tuning its agreement with cantinas and ensuring that all health safety requirements are met.

Quitugua said a kid’s health status impacts his/her productivity both at home and school.

“There is a strong connection between health education and academic achievements. The health status is very fundamental, especially for our kids,” she said.

PSS is now working with some lawmakers on how they can help achieve a safe and health-friendly environment for CNMI kids, she said.