Policy Update and Helpful Tools

The MA Public Health Council has approved two policies outlined in MASS in Motion, a wide ranging statewide initiative to promote a range of wellness activities for MA residents.

On April 8 , the statewide regulations to require public schools to regularly measure BMI on all students and to provide parents with the information passed unanimously. The results will be mailed to the parents along with information to help them understand the results and tips for helping children eat better and become more active. Kids will be screened in grades 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th. Parents can opt out of the screening process at any time. Aggregate data will be shared with the Department of Public Health to analyze trends in weight status for school-age children. (1)

On May 13, the DPH Commission also approved rules requiring major chain restaurants to provide calorie information on their food. Information must be at the point of purchase. Fifty chains with over 5000 locations will be affected. Both policies have an 18 month roll-out timeline. (2) Please see www.mass.gov/MassInMotion for more information.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) also utilizes a multi-faceted strong community approach to combating pediatric obesity. RWJF developed a toolkit for obesity advocacy to assist local and state leaders to help promote healthy active communities. Suggestions run the gamut from how leaders can provide incentives for farmer's markets to how they can support laws that encourage mixed-use development.
http://www.rwjf.org/childhoodobesity/product.jsp?id=42514

The Center for Disease Control has an article on portion size that might be very helpful to Healthy Weight Clinic patients. It outlines tips for managing portion control as well as popular misconceptions folks might have around how much to eat how often. Included on the page is a game that can be printed out for use in the Healthy Weight Clinic that kids might find fun and helpful.
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/portion_size.html


(1) Manley, J. (2009, April 8). Public Health Council Approves New Regulations Requiring BMI Measurements for Schoolchildren, [Press Release]. Boston. Office of Health and Human Services.

(2) Lyons, T. (2009, May 13). Massachusetts Approves Calorie Labeling Measure for Major Chain Restaurants, [Press Release]. Boston. Office of Health and Human Services.