The state Department of Health has urged all schools
in Pennsylvania to measure each student's body mass index as the
first step to ensure awareness in obesity related matters. In the
current year, children from kindergarten to fourth grade will go
through the procedure and BMI index calculation will expand to eighth
grade next year.
The new step by the health department is to inform
parents about their child's development. BMI is calculated by measuring
the height and weight of the individual, BMI values vary with age
and sex. The school nurses are expected to send the BMI reports
to parents and if there is a weight concern issue, they will be
advised to consult a doctor. Obesity is becoming a big health issue
in America.
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