Taking Charge of School Wellness.

The article discusses the effect of poor nutrition and low levels of physical activity on U.S. children, and argues that schools are positioned to address the problem. It notes that children in poor communities are especially vulnerable due to limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables and lack of safe places to be outdoors. This leads to overweight which can trigger or exacerbate chronic medical conditions such as asthma, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure as well as increasing school absences. Positive efforts are cited including the Walking and Pedometer Club at Burton Elementary and Middle School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools initiative in Houston, Texas, which involves all stakeholders in the community on a variety of projects.