"Weight is a very sensitive subject," says Brandywine Heights Middle School nurse Dawn Schwenk.
"You want students to understand the importance of healthy growth curves and healthy lifelong behaviors related to weight management," she says. "At-risk students and their parents need to be educated about health risks of eating disorders. Early intervention is essential to proper growth and development."
Using Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools — a secure, Web-based portal for improving student wellness — nurse Schwenk is able to document normal growth, sharp gains or losses, and quickly generate the yearly report to parents on a student's Body Mass Index (BMI) mandated by the Commonwealth.
In the Allentown area, school nurses at more than 80 schools use Health eTools to record student health data more efficiently, freeing up time to address student health concerns.
"We really like it," she says. "It gives us a graph and automatically calculates the percentages."
For students on the extreme ends, eTools documents the changes. "I have kids whose weight changed 20-30 pounds," she says. "With eTools I can show students immediately and share with parents."
From obesity to anorexia, nurse Schwenk has been able to intervene when necessary.
One girl, for example, made a commitment to eat less — and did manage her weight much better. Another was referred for a medical evaluation.
Given the overweight child's vigilance and more physical activities, "our BMI numbers are looking better," she says. "Overall, our students are becoming aware of the healthy range and what they need to do. It's so important."
Learn more about Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools.
This story was originally published in an April 5, 2009, advertising supplement for Highmark Healthy High 5.