Health and Wellness

HEALTHY STUDENTS ARE MORE LIKELY TO SUCCEED!
BENEFITS OF HEALTHIER STUDENTS AND A HEALTHIER SCHOOL:
  • Studies show that students with better nutrition have better attention spans and better class participation
  • Proper nutrition improves academic, behavioral and emotional functioning and leads to increased math grades, lowered absenteeism and improved behavior
  • Higher levels of physical activity can relate to higher self-esteem and lower levels of anxiety and stress as well as impact cognitive skills, enhanced concentration and attention and academicbehavior —all of which are associated with improved academic performance
  • Studies show positive associations between physical education and indicators of academic performance
  • Studies show positive associations between recess and indicators of cognitive skills, attitudes and academic behavior
  • Health education research shows promise of having a positive impact on academic achievement as it has on health outcomes of students
  • Research demonstrates a positive association between healthy behaviors and academic grades
PTA OFFERS A WEALTH OF HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELLNESS RESOURCES TO HELP
FAMILIES, PTAs, AND SCHOOLS TO SET THEIR STUDENTS UP FOR SUCCESS!
PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES:
SAFETY

Safety is a crucial component of effective learning and a key concern for all parents. Today’s students are exposed to dangers at home and online. They can also face a variety of risks, including bullying, unintentional injuries and violence.

These risks can be mitigated when parents and caregivers:

  • Model responsible behavior
  • Talk to their students
  • Teach students to make wise choices  
  • Advocate for environmental and policy changes that will keep kids safer 

RESOURCES:
LEARN MORE:
HEALTH

Maintaining your student’s health requires a variety of strategies, including:
  • A nutritious diet
  • Plenty of physical activity
  • Access to clean, safe drinking water
  • Strong mental health and emotional support
  • Strategies to combat threats such as hunger, substance abuse and chronic conditions
Healthy students are absent less often, experience fewer behavior problems and have an easier time learning while at     school.

WHAT FAMILIES CAN DO:
NATIONAL PTA RESOURCES:
  • HEALTHY HABITS:  National PTA, the National Education Association (NEA), and LYSOL have partnered to educate students and families about health and hygiene both in the classroom and at home.

LEARN MORE:
ALLERGIES AND                   ANAPHYLAXIS

ANAPHYLAXIS (Ana-fil-akses) is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction resulting from exposure to allergens.  Food allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis.

PTA offers a three-part video series designed to help create a safer learning environment for students with severe allergies.

The programs are designed to:
  • Empower parents to partner with schools on education and emergency response.
  • Inform parents on how to prepare kids for severe allergies at school and at home.
  • Educate parents of kids without severe allergies on anaphylaxis risks in school.
Share these videos with parents, school administrators and students. Encourage parents and staff to watch these short videos on their computer or mobile device.
PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES FOR PTAs AND SCHOOLS:
HEALTHY
LIFESTYLES

The Healthy Lifestyles program provides family-centered education and tools that connect them with schools and advocate for healthy changes in nutrition and physical activity.

IN A HEALTHY SCHOOL:
  • All students have opportunities to be physically active on a regular basis.
  • All students have access to regular physical education.
  • District-wide wellness policies will be developed, implemented and evaluated with input from students, parents, staff and interested community members.
BULLYING AWARENESS

CONNECT FOR RESPECT (C4R) is National PTA’s initiative to help students, parents and educators to create school climates full of safe and supportive peer relationships.

Research shows that one of the most effective ways to prevent bullying behavior is to create a positive school climate. School climate encompasses everything that contributes to a student's experience with a school—from the physical building to policies, staff and peer culture.

Positive school climates exist in schools where students, families and educators all work collaboratively to build a culture of respect.

PTAs can use the CONNECT FOR RESPECT (C4R) TOOLKIT as a guide on how they can engage students in improving their school climate and in reducing bullying.
SAFETY
TOOLKIT

National PTA and Safe Kids Worldwide created a downloadable toolkit to support the 2013 Take Your Family to School Week theme, SAFETY AT HOME AND PLAY.  PTA leaders and other parent groups can use these valuable resources at home and at school.