Top of the pageHEART HEALTH IN SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: THE SUMMIT MODEL
The Summit Model is a pilot program developed by the Heart
Institute, Clear One Foundation and Summit High School in Bend,
Oregon. Championed by track coach and physical education
teacher Dave Turnball, the project was conceptualized as a way
for schools to understand how the lifestyle of today's youth is
affecting cardiovascular wellness and how we might help them
become healthier. Ultimately, the Heart Institute sees this
program as a way to help reverse the disturbing trend in
childhood obesity rates in our schools by inspiring youth and
families to take charge of their health through physical
activity and healthy nutrition opportunities available after
school and in their communities. Key components of the Summit
Model include:
- Implementing a heart health assessment for all incoming students (which includes assessing frequency of certain behaviors shown to increase obesity risk, measuring BMI, blood pressure and step-test heart rate response);
- Connecting students with physical activity opportunities;
- Identifying and addressing barriers kids at risk for obesity face in accessing physical activity opportunities (e.g. cost, transportation, lack of interest);
- Offering a similar no-cost heart health assessment to parents of participating students
- Re-assessing the student population in subsequent grades to track progress
Read more about the Summit Model by clicking here.
