A friend sent this my way, and I read the title, “W.Va. unveils tool to help fight obesity“, I thought, “It’s really happening! WV has found something that is going to help! I can move on to something else!”

Wow. I can’t say I am more disappointed. Who would even think that this is worth highlighting. Basically, it’s a small paper wheel that you can use to line up weight and height to determine BMI. Not that I am a fan of making information easier for someone to access, but… all you have to do is google BMI Calculator and BAM there it is. You can even take your pick, I’ve blogged about this before.

So why is WV teaching DOCTORS about BMI. Even the article says that’s pretty standard for Docs. For me this is scary, what is this doing to help people in need? I did like the bit about the Governor wanting to possibly track BMI through Kindergarten, Second, and Fifth Grade, but what happens after that? I just don’t see how a paper wheel is going to help. Is there anything going with the paper wheel? Like… a deck of cards to help facilitate conversation (see red council)? What happens with the recordings of BMI of these grade school students, is there some kind of product they can take home that helps that individual work with his or her family to discuss weight? Or perhaps a program involved?

This makes me happy for every second spent reading and researching this semester. I think I can come up with a solution that will actually matter.