A parent from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida is outraged after her daughter in Grade 1 was sent home with a letter from the school nurse saying she was overweight.
Laura Cacdac says her daughter Charley came home asking if there was something wrong with her and whether she was fat.
Charley was able to read most of the letter, which read: “From the results of this test, it is suggested that your child’s health be examined by a physician, particularly as it relates to the problem suggested by the screening. A problem such as this that goes uncorrected or untreated can severely affect both the health and academic performance of your child.”
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The nurse told Cacdac that Charley’s body mass index was high after undergoing a state-required health screening.
“It is basically in my opinion telling me I am harming my child and doing wrong by her and then telling me how to properly feed my child,” Cacdac told WPTV.
Cacdac says Charley’s regular trips to the doctor has shown that she is healthy and not overweight.
Paediatrician Andrew Reiss argues that health screenings are important.
“I think it helps families focus on healthy habits,” he said. He adds that a BMI score does not always tell the entire story but can indicate if things can be changed for the better.
Cacdac is concerned with the way the information was communicated by the school and is worried that the letters could create body image issues.
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