Education Law

The need to address health issues among children (of any age)

BoardBuzz came across a new examination of childhood health conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health that shows that promoting the health of young children, before five years of age, could save society up to $65 billion in future health care costs. The results, published in the May 15, 2009, issue of Academic Pediatrics reveal clear evidence that the four health problems researchers studied — early life tobacco exposure, unintentional injury, obesity and mental health problems — constitute significant burdens on the health of preschool-age children and are antecedents of health problems across the life span.  Moreover, the study shows that these health problems affect approximately one-third to one-half of children born in the U.S.

The study shows, for instance, that while obesity among preschoolers has recently been recognized as a major health problem, age-appropriate prevention and intervention strategies are still lacking.  According to study authors, this research justifies targeted investments in early childhood health promotion as a means to averting future health costs and improving overall health during their life span. 

But BoardBuzz believes the study outcomes also justify investing in health promotion for older children and teenagers.  Study results show, for instance, that injuries are the leading cause of death, disabilities and health care utilization for U.S. children and teenagers between the ages of one and 19.  BoardBuzz knows that health problems can affect the well-being of children of any age and can hinder their academic achievement - and that can ultimately lead to huge economic and societal costs as well! 

NSBA has been working on many health fronts to help keep our nation’s children healthy and help them achieve their academic and personal goals.  Check out NSBA’s School Health Programs website to find out more about our projects and programs.  And let us know what your schools are doing to keep children healthy.  Leave us a comment!

Full post as published by BoardBuzz: NSBA's Daily Weblog on May 27, 2009 (boomark / email).