Comprehensive School Health: CSH

1. Comprehensive School Health: (CSH) An Integrated Approach to Promoting Wellness in a Healthy School Setting

2. CSH: Background & History

3. �Horses are easier to ride in the direction they are going.�

4. Presentation Goals Visioning exercise Introduction of the Comprehensive School Health Concept Group Work: Opportunities & Barriers Where do we go from here?

5. Visioning: What Constitutes a Healthy School? Let�s imagine that your school has made a conscious decision to become the healthiest school possible. As the School Nurse, what might you notice�. as you walk through the school? as you meet with the principal & teachers? as you meet the students? as you meet the parents?

6. Goals of comprehensive approaches: to promote health and wellness to prevent specific diseases, disorders, and injury to intervene to assist children and youth who are in need or at risk to help support those who are already experiencing poor health Success depends on meaningful participation of students, educators, parents, and other members of the school milieu and the surrounding environment in the planning and implementing of programs.Success depends on meaningful participation of students, educators, parents, and other members of the school milieu and the surrounding environment in the planning and implementing of programs.

7. Definition from CASH and CNA: �A comprehensive school health approach includes a broad spectrum of activities and services that take place in schools and surrounding communities and enable children and youth to enhance their health, develop to their fullest potential, and establish productive and satisfying relationships in their present and future lives.� CNA Statement states: �There is an urgent need for the rapid and universal introduction of Comprehensive School Health Programs.� Health and well-being of children must be a fundamental value of Canadian society. Experience and research evidence suggests strongly that a CSH approach can influence the health related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of students. Realistic expectations are important since the primary determinants of health status are genetics, socio-economics, cultural, and environmental factors. Successful implementation necessitates leadership from elective officials, adequate funding, administrative support, and appropriate policy, legislation, and regulations. CNA Statement states: �There is an urgent need for the rapid and universal introduction of Comprehensive School Health Programs.� Health and well-being of children must be a fundamental value of Canadian society. Experience and research evidence suggests strongly that a CSH approach can influence the health related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of students. Realistic expectations are important since the primary determinants of health status are genetics, socio-economics, cultural, and environmental factors. Successful implementation necessitates leadership from elective officials, adequate funding, administrative support, and appropriate policy, legislation, and regulations.

8. Basically�... promoting skills, values, and behaviours for healthy living. gives students numerous opportunities to observe and learn positive health behaviors and attitudes health is reinforced consistently on many levels in many ways views health as a resource for livinggives students numerous opportunities to observe and learn positive health behaviors and attitudes health is reinforced consistently on many levels in many ways views health as a resource for living

9. Why has this approach gained so much popularity over the years? because young people are more at risk because better health means better learning because it�s cost-effective because it works! --> --> --> --> --> challenging social & economic conditions fewer resources less stable family & social structures more complex choices increased pressures _______________________________________ studies on relationship between health and physical activity on school performance positive school climate affects learning staff wellness improves teaching performance, decreases absenteeism, and reduces stress _______________________________________ decreased illness created down-time building long-term health behaviours and attitudes reducing smoking _______________________________________ combining instruction approaches with environmental and social supports leads to enduring behaviour change depends on successful partnerships between school, home, and community challenging social & economic conditions fewer resources less stable family & social structures more complex choices increased pressures _______________________________________ studies on relationship between health and physical activity on school performance positive school climate affects learning staff wellness improves teaching performance, decreases absenteeism, and reduces stress _______________________________________ decreased illness created down-time building long-term health behaviours and attitudes reducing smoking _______________________________________ combining instruction approaches with environmental and social supports leads to enduring behaviour change depends on successful partnerships between school, home, and community

10. �Comprehensive approaches that link the development of skills and knowledge with different forms of social support, services, or healthier physical environments are most effective.�

11. Why target schools for health promotion activities? other than family, main source of influence on children workplace of 20% of our population (students and educators) another 30% of the population (parents) are directly involved with schools through their children

12. Organizations that have officially endorsed the concept of CSH:

13. Canada & CSH In 1990�..only 3% of educators and health leaders were familiar with the term

14. By 1998�.. 10/12 education ministries 5/12 health ministries 40% of school boards and 53% of Public Health Units ������..explicitly support CSH

15. Components of a CSH Program Formal and informal health instruction in schools Support services for students and families Social support from parents, peers, staff, local community, media, and policymakers Healthy physical environments

16. Components

17. Criteria for Instruction Active health promotion Comprehensive curriculum in the areas of health, physical education, personal development, and family studies High-quality teaching/materials Appropriate teaching methods using varied learning strategies Effective teacher inservice training

18. Examples of Instruction Strategies: Integration of health into other subject areas Recognition of formal & informal learning opportunities with peers and parents Lifestyle-focused physical education focusing on awareness, decision-making, skill-building, social action, attitudinal & behavioural change

19. Criteria for Support Services Access to appropriate health & social services and information for children and families Inter-agency, inter-ministry, and inter-disciplinary cooperation, coordination of services, & comprehensive policies Inter-agency committee Inservice training for nurses and professionals Helps students cope with stresses and psycho-social factors that affect them access to information such as pamphlets, resources, guides ______________________________________________ inter-agency committee of professionals can review local health trends and school-related programs, keeping them relevant and up-to-date Helps students cope with stresses and psycho-social factors that affect them access to information such as pamphlets, resources, guides ______________________________________________ inter-agency committee of professionals can review local health trends and school-related programs, keeping them relevant and up-to-date

20. Examples of Support Services: student services school guidance & counselling services child protection services for special needs students an integrated web of services offering appraisals, early identification, referrals, treatment and follow-up

21. Criteria for Social Support positive school climate involvement of all stakeholders formal needs assessment & planning active student participation community involvement in the school community coordination active parental/family involvement

22. Examples of Social Support: role modelling by school staff adult mentorship peer support programs/ leadership staff wellness programs comprehensive wellness programs appropriate school discipline policies community development media cooperation healthy public policy from school boards, boards of health and social service agencies

23. Criteria for Building a Healthy Physical Environment Comply with legislation Implement health-related policies Tell the school Tell the community

24. Examples of Environmental Support: safety and accident prevention measures in the school and playgrounds environmental health standards for sanitation, clean water, hygiene, lighting, & noise healthy food services and/or meal programs smoke-free school policies alcohol and drug-free policies harassment, discrimination, and bullying policies

25. Example of the concept in action

26. CASH�s recommended six step process for implementation: Review idea. Talk with colleagues. List activities/programs already happening in your community. Connect these activities/programs & maintain regular communications.

27. Six steps, con�t Brainstorm possible joint activities/ projects. Priorize. Choose one or two activities. Develop an action plan. Assess. Evaluate. Celebrate successes. Choose your next steps.

28. Group Work What are the opportunities and barriers to implementing a CSH Model in our schools?

29. Taking Action: One Step at a Time Start simply Be imaginative Work to gradually implement elements over a period of time Have fun!

30. The turtle wins the race.

31. Next Steps