Department of Public Health
New Report on BMI and Massachusetts Schoolchildren
In April 2009 the Public Health Council approved a regulation requiring school systems to measure the height and weight of public school students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10 and use those figures to calculate their Body Mass Index (BMI).
BMI is a method of determining if a child has a healthy weight compared to other children of the same age and sex. Children with a high BMI are more likely to become overweight or obese adults and be at a higher risk for diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Helping children attain a healthy weight now, and stay at a healthy weight, may prevent serious illness later in life.
At September's Public Health Council meeting, a report (PDF | Word – 2MB) was released which features results of the first stage of BMI screening in select public schools in Massachusetts.
The data in this report represents BMI data collected from over 109,000 students in 80 school districts during the 2008-2009 school year. Beginning this school year, all public schools in Massachusetts will begin performing BMI screening for their students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10.
Mosquito Threat Continues in Massachusetts
All residents should wear bug spray and long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors. In addition, at home make sure all screens are tightly attached and free of holes and remove standing water.
• EEE fact sheet
• Summary of 2010 EEE test results
• Bug spray fact sheet
For more information, downloadable patient materials, and our daily arbovirus update, visit the Arbovirus page.
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"Helping People Lead Healthy Lives In Healthy Communities"
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Eat Better. Move More. Start Today. Visit the Mass in Motion website to learn more. Also available en español and em português.
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