Promotion of Jump Rope in an Elementary School

Abstract

Addressing the problem of overweight and obesity in the adult population of Florida and other parts of the United States has become a serious challenge for public health practitioners. Obesity is associated with numerous chronic disease conditions that are responsible for premature morbidity and mortality. The antecedents of obesity often can be seen in youth, even children of elementary school age. One resourceful public health nurse assigned to the Sarasota County schools championed a pilot program to promote physical activity through participation in jump rope. This paper describes how this program developed and possible insights for replicating it in other venue are provided.