 OVERVIEW
Pediatric obesity rates in Pennsylvania are estimated to be 18% according to a 2003 PA Department of Health study. Health officials are alarmed and instituted several measures to address the problem:
• BMIs are recorded in public schools on all students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Letters are sent home to parents with the BMI score and recommendations to see their child’s health professional where warranted.
• In 2007, the PA General Assembly enacted a law mandating every school district to develop a Wellness Plan.
• In October 2007, DPW Medicaid instituted a Pediatric Weight Management and Physical Activity benefit.
• Highmark also has focused efforts on pediatric obesity through development of a practice toolkit, weight management benefits and a grant program through its Highmark Healthy High 5 initiative.
PA AAP EFFORTS FOR YOU AND YOUR PATIENTS
The PA Chapter is engaged in pediatric obesity education efforts. We have presented CME teleconferences for members, provided resource information in the monthly e-newsletters, partnered with the PA Advocates on Nutrition and Activity to develop a statewide directory of treatment services and surveyed members on their practice-based efforts. A number of pediatricians are engaged in efforts with school districts or other community organizations in their counties to promote good nutrition and physical activity. Several pediatricians have received CATCH grants to develop prevention and treatment activities in their communities.
INVOLVED PA PEDIATRICIANS
Bill Cochran, MD
– Geisinger Medical Clinic
Denise Salerno, MD
– Temple University Hospital
Beth Rezet, MD
– Children’s Hospital of Phila.
Barry Clark, MD
– Tioga County
Kiran Bhat, MD
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RESOURCES (click on text below)
DPW Medicaid Bulletins on Pediatric Weight Management.
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