National Resources

Obesity

CDC's Obesity Trend Maps
During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. This slide set illustrates this trend by mapping the increased prevalence of obesity across each of the states.

Nutrition & Physical Activity

Food Groups to Encourage
Follow the Dietary Guidelines approach to healthy eating by choosing foods that have important health benefits for most Americans. This resource highlights good for you foods that provide the nutrients your body needs.

MyPyramid Posters for elementary and middle school students can be ordered for FREE. Visit this website to download an order form.

Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, 2008
is the product of the 13 member Advisory Committee and more than 30 additional consultants. You can access the report by clicking the Report link at http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/ . The 683 page report can be viewed or downloaded in its entirety or by individual chapter. The report presents and summarizes the Advisory Committee's review of science relating physical activity to a variety of health outcomes. It also addre! sses the benefits of physical activity for particular subgroups of the population such as children and youth, pregnant and postpartum women, persons with disabilities, and individuals with some chronic conditions. The report will be a valuable resource for students, researchers, or anyone interested in the health benefits of physical activity. It provides the scientific basis for the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which is currently being developed by the Department of Health and Human Services for a planned fall 2008 launch.

Team Nutrition
Check out the Team Nutrition website to find nutrition education materials that encourage students to make food and physical activity choices for a healthy lifestyle. Resources are subdivided by audience, including Foodservice Professionals, Educators, Parents, and Child Care Providers.

School Health & Wellness

The AAP Committee on School Health addresses issues related to the health of childrenwhile in school.

SCHOOL EMPLOYEE WELLNESS: A Guide for Protecting the Assets of Our Nation's Schools.
The first of its kind, this comprehensive guide provides information, practical tools and resources for school employee wellness programs. It will help schools, school districts and states develop and support the implementation of school employee wellness programs that promote employee health, improve workforce productivity and reduce the costs of employee absenteeism and healthcare.

Action for Healthy Kids field reports are part of the Campaign for School Wellness, a multifaceted communications and outreach effort that brings to schools new tools and resources for strengthening their wellness efforts.

• Engaging School Leaders in Creating a Healthier, More Physically Active School Environment addresses the importance of administrators taking the lead in shaping school wellness programs.

• Giving Kids the Voice of Authority: Engaging Students in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity

• Tapping into the Power: Engaging Parents in the Fight against Childhood Obesity

• Ideas, Committment, Action, Results: Model Projects Advancing the Cause of School Wellness

Media
Action for Healthy Kids' Media Guide for Teams includes strategies and information to reach out to local media including building a media contact list, developing and disseminating an "attention catching" press release, being interviewed and maintaining on-going relationships with media contacts. The guide also features key messages and communication guidelines developed by national Action for Healthy Kids.