Joint DEIC and School Health Advisory Meeting

Wed, April 11 2007 at 3:45 pm at WISD-ESC

 

Wharton ISD campuses have joined a new program dedicated to the physical health of our students.  CATCH, in its long-form, is known as The Coordinated Approach to Child Health (formerly, The Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health).  The goals of CATCH include the promotion and maintenance of hearth-healthy behaviors in children and adolescents.  CATCH has been approved by the Texas State Board of Education.

 

Why CATCH the wave?

 

Because heart disease, the number one killer of Americans, can be prevented!  The best way to prevent heart disease is to reach children before unhealthy habits have been formed.  Heart healthy behaviors include:  moderate to vigorous exercise, eating habits with a low-fat and low-sodium awareness, and non-smoking.

 

The CATCH program was originally designed as a cardiovascular prevention education program for elementary school students. However, because the risk factors for cardiovascular heart disease are the same as for Type II diabetes, primarily poor diet and exercise habits, the CATCH program can function quite successfully as an intervention for both heart disease and diabetes.

 

CATCH is a coordinated effort between classroom, cafeteria and physical education.  The CATCH program involves the coordination of four components:  health education, physical education, nutrition services, and parent involvement.  CATCH is much more than a cardiovascular or diabetes education program.  It’s a great start toward coordinated school health programming.

 

What is Child Nutrition Services doing to promote CATCH?

 

Menu Requirements

Portion sizes in accordance with the Food Guide Pyramid

Calories appropriate for age

<30% calories from fat

<10% calories from saturated fat

In line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

 

What’s Cookin’ in the Kitchen

No added fat to vegetables

Menu items are oven-baked, not deep fat fried

Hot rolls are not brushed with butter

Ground beef is drained and rinsed to reduce fat

 

 

 

 

Healthier Menu Choices

Menu is less than 30% fat

1% milk served in white, chocolate & strawberry; skim milk served in white

Low-fat pizza at elementary campuses (Less than 30% fat)

Low-fat hamburgers, frankfurters and corndogs

 

On the Serving Line

Go, Slow and Whoa food signs posted daily as to advise student of food higher in fat

Offer versus serve; students are able to choose items placed on their tray

At least 3 fruit choices are offered daily with lunch

Fruits are enjoyed as the sweet ending to the meal instead of a traditional high-calorie, high-fat dessert

 

Reinforcing Good Nutrition

Universal Breakfast Program at all campuses

Monthly bulletin boards that coincide with calendar menu topic of the month

Website features nutrient of the month information

Website features nutrition information on all menu items