Delaware Survey of Children’s Health (DSCH)
Sponsored by Nemours Health and Prevention Services (NHPS), is one of the most comprehensive public health surveillance instruments regarding the health of Delaware’s children.
For Policy Makers
Physical Activity Initiatives
Nemours Health & Prevention Services (NHPS) is noted for advancing child physical activity standards along with training and technical support to help providers implement these standards. We support several initiatives which make promoting physical activity a priority.
Healthy Kids, Healthy Future was created in order to prevent childhood obesity starting in the early child care setting. Learn about current nutrition policy ideas and discussions around childhood obesity efforts on the federal, state, and
local levels.
Nemours also partnered with the First Lady to launch Let’s Move! Child Care, a new national initiative to encourage child care providers to voluntarily adopt higher nutrition and physical activity standards.
Nemours is a founding partner of Partnership for a Healthier America seeking private sector commitments to address obesity. PHA recently announced a commitment from one of the nation’s largest child care providers, Bright Horizons, to Let’s Move! Child Care.
Nemours is also part of Collaborate for Healthy Weight, a national initiative where primary care providers, public health professionals, and leaders of community-based organizations work together, using quality improvement methods to reverse the obesity epidemic in communities across the country.
Physical and Mental Fitness for Children
When kids are emotionally and physically fit, they’re better able to face life’s challenges, make healthy choices, develop good self-esteem, build strong bodies, and maintain strong relationships. Read some articles on recent actions taken to encourage physical activity in schools.
Delaware Policy Should Ensure Physical Activity in Elementary Schools (2012)
Recent studies show the strong connection between physical fitness and academic success. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that schools should ensure all students participate in a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous daily physical activities.
USDA Announces New Criteria for the HealthierUS School Challenge (2012)
The Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service announces new criteria for the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC), a voluntary certification initiative established to recognize schools that have created healthier school environments through the promotion of nutrition and physical activity.
Investment in Parks and Recreation is Necessary for Children's Health (2010)
Parks and recreation facilities can provide a safe, fun, accessible, and convenient location for promoting physical activity. This policy brief summarizes data on the use of these public services and highlights the importance of investing in parks and recreation to support healthy lifestyles.
Delaware’s Child Care Regulations Promote Healthy Child Development (2011)
Child care providers play an important role in nurturing the physical and emotional health of children. Collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit organizations can help establish regulations that teach healthy lifestyles.
A Statewide Strategy to Battle Child Obesity in Delaware (2010)
In 2006, approximately 37 percent of Delaware’s children were overweight or obese. To combat Delaware’s childhood obesity epidemic, Nemours launched a statewide program to improve children’s eating habits. The initiative spurred increased knowledge of healthy choices and the need for improved physical activity policies in schools.
