School Health Promotional and Education

 School Health Promotion and Education (Sections 5.6 – 5.6.9)

5.6 HEALTH PROMOTION AND EDUCATION IN SCHOOL

• Focuses on improving health through education and creating a healthy school environment.
• Promotes awareness, healthy behavior, and supports academic success.
• Key areas include policies, environment (physical & social), individual skills, community links, and health services.

5.6.1 CONCEPTS IN RELATION TO SCHOOLS

Six Components of Health Promotion in Schools:

1. Healthy School Policies – Encourage wellness (e.g., anti-bullying, nutrition).
2. Physical Environment – Safe, well-designed infrastructure.
3. Social Environment – Positive relationships among students, staff, and families.
4. Individual Health Skills – Age-appropriate learning and action for well-being.
5. Community Links – Involvement of families and local organizations.
6. Health Services – Access to care and support services in or linked to school.

5.6.2 OBJECTIVES OF SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM

• Promote health and prevent diseases.
• Provide safe and supportive environments.
• Educate on healthful living.
• Early detection and referral of health issues.
• Involve all stakeholders in child health.

5.6.3 PRINCIPLES OF SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM

• Based on children’s needs.
• Involves schools, health personnel, parents, and the community.
• Focus on prevention, education, and active participation.
• Continuous and well-documented.

5.6.4 TARGETS OF HEALTH PROMOTION

• Healthy environment for development.
• Regular health evaluations.
• Early detection and correction of health issues.
• Develop healthy habits and care for handicapped children.

5.6.5 COORDINATED SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM

8 Key Components:

1. Health Education
2. Physical Education
3. Health Services
4. Nutrition Services
5. Counselling, Psychological & Social Services
6. Healthy School Environment
7. Health Promotion for Staff
8. Parent/Community Involvement

5.6.6 SCHOOL HEALTH TEAM

Members:

• Principal, Teachers, Students
• School Nurse, Medical Staff
• Social Workers, Administrators
• Maintenance & Food Service Workers
• Parents

Role: Coordinate all components of the school health program.

5.6.7 PROGRAM OF SCHOOL HEALTH

1. Health Promotion
2. Health Hazard Prevention
3. Medical Care
4. Health Education

5.6.8 COMPONENTS OF SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

1. Health Promotive & Protective Services

• Safe school environment (location, structure, sanitation)
• Personal hygiene education
• Nutritional services (e.g., mid-day meals)
• Physical and recreational activities
• Mental health promotion
• Health education
• Immunization

2. Therapeutic Services

• Health check-ups, treatment, follow-up
• First aid & emergency care
• Specialized services

3. Rehabilitative Services

• Support for handicapped children

4. School Health Records

• Track health findings, services, and student progress

5.6.9 IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH EDUCATION

• Builds knowledge, skills, and attitudes for lifelong health.
• Covers physical, emotional, mental, and social health.
• Prevents risky behaviours and lifestyle diseases.
• Encourages healthy choices and habits from a young age.
• Contributes to personal well-being and national development.

Reference

Malviya K, Sahoo S, Dasadiya D, Acharya V. Social and Preventive Pharmacy. 1^st ed. Pee Vee (Regd.); 2021.