Parents across the region are being asked to fill out a survey to find out if their child is considered a high risk to develop “nutrition-related” problems, including a possible impact on success at school.
Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) officials are dispensing what they call a “screening tool” to all parents of junior and senior kindergarten students in the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) and Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB).
Public health nutritionist Heather Harvey said there is a lack of local nutrition information on that group of children.
“We don’t really know if there are any problems, so this should help shed some light on that,” Harvey told the Advertiser.
She explained the goal of the survey is twofold:
– to increase the awareness of parents by educating them on nutrition concerns and offering support where needed; and
– to get a better overall idea of the age group in the Wellington Dufferin Guelph area for planning purposes.
A press release from public health states it will use the data collected to “reduce health inequities, guide its decision making and allocate resources” in the community.
“Children experiencing poor nutrition are at risk for growth, behaviour and development problems,” Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health for WDGPH, said in the press release.
“By screening children for nutrition programs at an early age, children can be referred to appropriate health care professionals and community programs.”
Harvey said while the survey will not “specifically diagnose anything,” it can help those parents with a “high-risk” child get the necessary support.
The surveys will be sent home, along with an educational brochure, to about 5,500 junior and senior kindergarten students in the UGDSB and the WCDSB.
Parents of students with the public board should already have received their survey, while those with the Catholic board will receive theirs within the next two weeks.
Harvey said both boards have been very cooperative in helping to get the questionnaires out to parents.
Called NutriStep, the survey was developed by researchers at the University of Guelph.
“The screening tool will identify approximately 10 to 15 per cent of children as high-risk for nutrition-related problems,” university researcher Janis Randall Simpson said in a press release.
“It assesses eating habits and nutrition-related problems in children through a series of questions about food and nutrient intake, physical growth and development, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, food security and the feeding environment.”
Harvey said the survey was recommended for Ontario children by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and will be used to varying degrees by public health units across the province.
WDGPH is asking parents of kindergarten students to take “five minutes” to complete the questionnaire and return it in the postage page return envelop by the end of April, said Harvey.
Officials are hoping for a return rate of at least 20 per cent and, as an incentive, those parents who return the survey will be entered for a chance to win a $50 grocery card.
The health unit states that parents with questions about their child’s health and nutrition are encouraged to call its Kid’s Line at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616.
