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Rationale for New York City's regulations on nutrition, physical activity, and screen time in early child care
Cathy Nonas1, Lynn D Silver2, Laura Kettel Khan3
1New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 42-09 28th St, CN-46, Queens, NY 11101-4132.
Insights
New York City implemented policies in early childhood centers to combat childhood obesity by increasing physical activity and improving beverage options. These changes aim to reduce health risks associated with obesity in children and adults.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Policy
Background:
- Childhood obesity presents significant health risks during childhood and increases the likelihood of adult obesity and chronic diseases.
- Preventive policies targeting young children are crucial for long-term health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the rationale behind New York City's 2007 health code amendments for early childhood centers.
- To detail the dissemination strategies and training programs implemented to support policy adoption.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of amendments to the Health Code regarding physical activity, screen time, and beverage offerings in early childhood centers.
- Description of information dissemination channels and training initiatives, with a focus on high-need areas.
Main Results:
- New regulations mandated increased physical activity, limited screen time, and restricted unhealthy beverage options.
- Specific beverage guidelines included limiting sugar-sweetened beverages, whole milk for children over two, and juice, while promoting water access.
Conclusions:
- The implementation of these policies in early childhood centers is a key strategy to prevent childhood obesity.
- Targeted dissemination and training are essential for effective policy implementation, especially in underserved communities.
Abstract:
Childhood obesity is associated with health risks in childhood, and it increases the risk of adult obesity, which is associated with many chronic diseases. Therefore, implementing policies that may prevent obesity at young ages is important. In 2007, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene implemented new regulations for early childhood centers to increase physical activity, limit screen time, and provide healthful beverage offerings (ie, restrict sugar-sweetened beverages for all children, restrict whole milk for those older than 2 years, restrict juice to beverages that are 100% juice and limit serving of juice to only 6 ounces per day, and make water available and accessible at all times). This article explains why these amendments to the Health Code were created, how information about these changes was disseminated, and what training programs were used to help ensure implementation, particularly in high-need neighborhoods.