Oct 30, 2010

Trick or Treat? Children Now Too Fat to Fit In Class Chairs

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A recent survey of 750 schools has revealed that on average
children have grown too large for their chairs and desks.

From the article: "The Education Department said schools were running healthy eating programs. 'The department takes the issue of childhood obesity seriously and works with a number of agencies to address the issue,' a spokesman said. 'We have a number of initiatives to support school communities as well as promote healthy eating.' He said parents needed to enforce the message about healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle at home."

...children risked weight problems or diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver.

She said parents should check if their children's waist measurement at the belly button was less than half their height.

Having to wear clothing more than two sizes bigger than their age group could also indicate a problem.

A Teachers Federation spokesman said it was also common for students in Years 5 and 6 to be taught in Year 3 classrooms with small chairs.
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