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UF Study Finds School Environment Key To Promoting Health


A University of Florida study published this month shows that the school environment plays a big role in the health of children. The study's findings mirror the results of some local programs aimed at making school health-promoting.

[Winter Park High School's Live Life Health group provides an example of a healthy lunch that is also quick and easy to prepare.]

The kids dishing up lunch at Winter Park High School are part of Live Life Healthy- a group of marketing students tasked with selling healthy living to its peers. Winter Park Health Foundation Vice President Debbie Watson says her organization funds programs like this because they have an impact.

“I know these kids are going to be taking this Live Life Health message of healthy eating and active living to college and beyond,” she says.

Study author and University of Florida Institute for Child Health Policy Associate Director Kelli Komro says the study underscores how important it is for schools to have a health-centric environment.

“They’re a critical component to promoting health,” she says.

The study found health promoting school environments reduced childhood obesity, cigarette use and bullying, while increasing physical activity and healthy eating habits. 

 

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