Health is Academic:Positioning a Coordinated Health/Wellness Program

at the Heart of Your School

Nikki Vivion, M.P.H.

Head of the Science Department

The Nightingale-Bamford School

NYSAIS ELI (2013-2015 Cohort)

Goals for Presentation To define the characteristics of a coordinated

school health/wellness program To strategize about approaches for growing a

coordinated program at your school Our process at Nightingale Research that informs the need Different frameworks

To consider the implications of technology on health and the work we do

Defining a Coordinated School Health and Wellness Program

CDC School Health Index (self-assessment tool)

Process at Nightingale, e.g.

Unintentional beginningsGoals for growthComplications along the wayMore recent progressNext steps

Research and Support Student health = academic success

School Health Policies and Practices Study, 2012 Health ed and P.E. associated with

academic improvements Establish healthy habits that prevent major leading

causes of death in the US Risky behaviors associated with lower grades and poor

educational attainment Faculty/staff health promotion programs:

improved productivity, quality of life reduced absenteeism, turnover, employee health care

costs role-model healthy behaviors for students

Research and support (cont’d)Health education standards

National Health Education Standards (ACS sponsored; produced by joint committee)

State Health Education Standards (NYC, CA)

Healthy schools programming/initiativesSchool Employee Wellness: A Guide for Pro

tecting the Assets of Our Nation’s SchoolsHealth, Mental Health, and Safety Guidelin

es for SchoolsCDC Healthy Schools: Healthy Students, R

eady to Learn

CDC Recommendations

Integrative Models for Health EdTraditional: separate departments and

programmingNewer model: umbrella health and

wellness programIncludes combination of health education,

physical education, athletics, etc.Involves community-wide health leader (go-

to)Coordinates formal/informal student

programmingCoordinates with other facets of school

communityCommunicates with parents, provides parent

ed

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/health_and_academics/index.htm

The Technology Paradox Positives

Ease in accessing expert health information (media and consumer literacy for students)

Leveraging educational technology to manage space and time limitations in schools

Using technology to produce tech and media savvy students Negatives

Consequences of constant connectedness Screen time and sleep, attentional issues, brain development Attitudes toward sexual health Ergonomics of laptops and tablets

Final Thoughts: Health is Everywhere! Conscious effort to catalog current events Constant barrage overwhelming but

persuasive Topics from kid/teen lens include:

Sleep (school start times, screen time)

Rx drug use/misuse/abuse

Introverts and social health

Earbud use and hearing loss

Kids and attitudes toward alcohol

Police presence in schools

Gun violence in schools

E-cig use and explosion risk

Mindfulness and growth mindsets

Concussions and other injuries

Health and

Wellness for All!