[School-nurse] (no subject)

[Paula Smith (ADE)]

Dear School Nurses:

I encourage you to read this email and participate in the survey. I did
it and it did not take 5 minutes and I even added comments. Do this for
yourself, your students and your school. 

Nearly 40% of all Arkansas children ages 2-19 are overweight.  As a
state and a nation, we face a growing epidemic of childhood obesity with
serious implications for the future.  

These children are at risk of diabetes, heart attacks, high blood
pressure, osteoarthritis and a host of other chronic diseases at
increasingly younger ages.  Their growing numbers will not only impair
the long-term health of these children but also for all citizens as
health consequences decrease productivity and increase health costs for
all of us. 

Will you participate in a FIVE MINUTE survey?

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families asks that you complete a
five to seven minute survey telling us what you are doing to change the
behaviors of children and adolescents to eat healthier and increase
physical activity.

http://www.changingchildobesity.org/
<http://www.changingchildobesity.org/> 

What are you doing to help children make healthier choices to maintain a
healthy weight?

Many of you have taken steps to prevent childhood obesity or to help
overweight children maintain their weight. Just as the growing epidemic
of childhood obesity has complex, inter-related causes, there are many
organizations, agencies and community groups involved in helping
children eat healthier and get more physical activity.  

Some have developed targeted programs to address the problem.  Others
are making changes to existing programs to promote healthier choices.
Our goal is to survey as broad a cross-section as possible.  

We're not doing that much.  Why should I complete the survey?

You may be thinking "we aren't doing much" but as you look at the survey
questions you will likely discover that you actually have made quite a
few changes that will help prevent Arkansas children from becoming
overweight or you may get ideas for things you could do.  Besides it
only takes five minutes of your time!  

Why should I participate?

Your efforts will serve as an example to others.  In addition, everyone
who participates in the survey will receive a compilation of the
results, full of ideas about practical ways to "tweak" existing programs
to more effectively combat childhood obesity.  You will gain access to
science-based education materials and learn what is working (and not
working) for your colleagues and peers.

What is the timeframe?

All responses must be submitted online no later than May 7, 2008.

I have brochures, reports, PowerPoints or other materials on our
programs & policies to share.  Where should I send them?

We appreciate any additional information you can share. Email web links
or supporting documents to Sandra.miller at conwaycorp.net
<mailto:Sandra.miller at conwaycorp.net> .  

Where do I go to learn more?

To learn more about what groups are participating, how the information
will be used, how your confidentiality will be protected and who you can
call if you have questions, go to http://www.changingchildobesity.org/
<http://www.changingchildobesity.org/> 

Thank you in advance for taking time out of your busy schedule to
complete this survey.  Working together, we can combat the growing
epidemic of childhood obesity in Arkansas.

Every Child deserves a School Nurse every day!

 

Paula Smith, MNSc., RNP

State School Nurse Consultant

Arkansas Department of Education

Coordinated School Health

2020 West 3rd St., Suite 320

Little Rock, AR 72205

office (501) 683-3600

fax (501) 683-3611

paula.smith at arkansas.gov

 

Visit our website:

http://www.arkansascsh.org

 

 

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