Focusing on healthier students

Everybody knows the old saying: an apple a day helps keep the doctor away.

So does eating less fatty food, fewer snacks and getting enough physical activity.

That's the message from the Cohoes City Schools' Wellness Committee.

"We know that if a child is healthier, they will be better prepared for school and for learning," said Peggy O'Shea, assistant superintendent for educational services.

Each school is in the process of analyzing everything from physical and health education to the nutritional values of food. The "school health index" will assess the school's physical activity and nutritional practices and programs.

The index will use the Center for Disease Control's School Health Index and identify what is working and what needs to be improved at each school.

"One building may look closer at what activities children do at recess while another may focus on after school offerings," said Mrs. O'Shea.

Paula Brewer, a Harmony Hill School parent and nutritionist, will work with the buildings to assess each school's individual "health" and develop and action plan for improvement.

"If we want healthier schools and a healthier society, we have to look at everything we are doing," said Dona Barth, a wellness committee member and the district's food service director.

"Our research tells us that if we eat properly and exercise more, we will be healthier," she said.

The breakfast and lunch programs follow strict guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and often exceed them, she said. USDA is requiring each district to develop wellness policies.

Ms. Barth said the students have been encouraged to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains as part of an ongoing, targeted initiative to reduce fatty foods and create a healthier program.

Among the initiatives the school lunch program includes are:

Salads are offered as meals every day. On many Fridays, side salads are offered with the meal.

Salad dressings at the elementary schools are light and pre-portioned. At the middle and high schools, students have a choice of regular or light dressings.

No whole milk is served. Elementary students may choose 1 percent of skim; 2 percent or lower is offered to middle and high school students.

Pizzas are healthier -- they contain less fat and an additional serving of bread.

Elementary students may buy bagged yogurt lunches.

Whole wheat hamburger and hot dog rolls are used.

Vending machines at the high school sell water and PowerAde with reduced sugar and a flavored milk dairy drink.

(Back to Food Service)