March 26, 2004
State Schools Chief O'Connell Convenes Obesity Task Force
Physicians, Educators Tackle Health Epidemic in Schools
SACRAMENTO — Citing an epidemic of obesity among children and youth, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today convened the first Superintendent's Task Force on Childhood Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.
"There is nothing more important than the health of our children and the health of the generation to come," O'Connell told the 19-member task force charged with examining the complex factors that contribute to the disturbing increases in these diseases in California schools. "We know from recent studies that there is a clear link between physical fitness and academic achievement."
"Three out of every four California students are unfit and more than a quarter are overweight. The number of overweight children in the United States has tripled over the last three decades, and children who are overweight are at risk for developing chronic health problems later in life," he said.
The task force of physicians, nurses, educators, and public health experts will examine current data trends and research, and discuss existing school-based efforts and initiatives related to nutrition, physical education and activity, and coordinated school health. In subsequent meetings it will develop recommendations for the State Superintendent on actions that schools and their partners can and must take to address the epidemic trends facing California schools.
Study results released this month from the Centers for Disease Control suggest that obesity, fueled by poor diet and physical inactivity, might soon overtake tobacco as a leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency in overweight children and adolescents compared to children of healthy weight.
Obesity is closely linked to Type 2 diabetes, and the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in children has increased dramatically. If the rise in diabetes is left unchecked, more young people may experience complications such as kidney failure, blindness, heart attack, and amputations in their 30's and early 40's.
"We owe it to California children to emphasize in our schools the development of lifelong, positive health-related attitudes and behaviors," O'Connell told task force members. "I am proud to be able to work with individuals of your professional caliber on the epidemic of obesity facing us today."
The task force commissioners are:
- Barry Coughlin, M.D., F.A.C.C., Task Force Chairman Cardiovascular Center of Lompoc, Inc.
- Ted Barone, principal, Burlingame Intermediate School
- William Bommer, M.D., Professor of Medicine, American College of Cardiology, CA Chapter Representative
- Rob Challinor, Chair, Child Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Council
- Nancy Adalian, Vice President, Health Commission, California PTA
- Stanley Bassin, Ed.D., Clinical Prof. of Cardiology, UC Irvine
- Melinda Bossenmeyer, California Association for Health and Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
- Dan Cooper, M.D., Prof. of Pediatrics, UC Irvine
- Harold Goldstein, Executive Director, California Center for Public Health Advocacy
- Meri Jackson, President, California School Nurses Organization
- Stephanie Davila, Youth Board Nominee, California Center for Civic Participation and Youth Development
- Cary Hart, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Kaiser, Sacramento, CA
- Francine Kaufman, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, USC School of Medicine
- Andy Megaw, teacher, Upland Unified School District.
- Gregory Payne, P.E.D. California Medical Association, San Jose State University
- James Sallis, Jr., Ph.D, Professor, Dept. of Psychology, San Diego State University
- Terri Soares, Nutrition Education Coordinator, Fresno County Office of Education
- Selina Shontz, Senior Director of Stroke Programs, American Heart Association
