BMI screening procedures

The nursing staff of the East Penn School District spend a considerable amount of time planning, monitoring and carrying out health screenings mandated by the Pennsylvania State Department of Health and specified in the Pennsylvania School Code. These screenings are done with considerable care in that their purpose is to ensure that a problem does not exist which would prevent a student from learning and performing at their own personal optimal level. The screenings and the respective grade level in which they are done include vision (K-12), hearing (K-3, 7, 11), height and weight (K-12) and scoliosis (7).  In the past, parents have been notified if their child did not meet the passing criteria for the vision, hearing or scoliosis exam and encouraged to follow up with an examination by the appropriate family health care provider

This school year a new procedure was developed by the nursing staff to notify parents if their child’s height and weight measurement put them in one of three categories: Under-weight, At Risk of Over-weight, or Overweight.  These categories are based on a child’s Body Mass Index. The Body Mass Index is a measurement based on a person’s height and weight to determine whether a person may be overweight or underweight The BMI is then compared to standards set up by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) specifically designed to use with children age 2-20 years based on age and gender.  These are the same charts recommended to be used in pediatrician’s offices across the country.  If a child’s BMI falls below the 5^th percentile they are determined to be underweight.  If the BMI falls above the 85^th percentile the child is at risk for being overweight.  A BMI above the 95^th percentile puts a child in the range of being overweight. For more in depth information regarding the CDC and development of these standards go to www.cdc.gov/growthcharts.

The role of the nurse, after measuring the child’s height and weight and determining the BMI, is to notify the parent by letter if their child falls into one of the three categories.  The information is held strictly confidential and is not discussed with the child in the school setting.  The letter offers some information regarding the risk associated with being underweight or overweight and encourages the parent to follow up with the family health care provider.  The parent is also encouraged to contact the school nurse for written materials concerning nutrition and physical activity.