School wellness policies: Perceptions, barriers, and needs among school leaders and wellness advocates

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Argon, P., Berends, V., Ellis, K., & Gonzalez, M. (2010). School wellness policies: Perceptions, barriers, and needs among school leaders and wellness advocates. Journal of School Health, 80:11, 527-535. 

The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions, barriers, and opportunities regarding the development, implementation, and monitoring/evaluation of school wellness policies among school board members, state board members and associated leaders, state public health nutrition directors, and school wellness advocates.

The major barriers identified included funding (for additional staff -- PE instructors, wellness directors, nurses, dietitians, and health instructors--, facilities, and materials) and ways to M/E programs.

This article displayed that there is a great need for leaders on the state and local level to provide training/resources to school districts on wellness topics (PE, Nutrition, Nutrition Ed, etc.) as well as strategies for implementing M&E policies. As dietitians, we are expected to be multi-faceted and capable of becoming leaders in this area. It is our role to step up to that leadership position and set an example for others to follow.

-LL

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