Health Annotations by Amanda Murray

Mental and Emotional Health

am974380_1 — 2024-09-22 01:34:39 UTC

According to The World Health Organization, Cyberbullying has increased drastically over the last few years and is impacting the lives of young children. Studies show that about 1 in 8 adolescents report cyberbullying others. Due to the rise in technology use at a young age, children are at a higher risk of being exposed to online bullying. Educators, parents, and others in the community must intervene to prevent these interactions. The information in this article pertains to teaching health in the elementary classroom because teachers can highlight the importance of online safety. Educators must tell their students that what is said on the internet stays there forever and that bullying is not tolerated in or outside of the school. Technology use is becoming increasingly frequent in classrooms so teaching proper and appropriate language to use online is very important in how it impacts a child’s mental and emotional health. Teachers can help children learn about this topic by discussing what is appropriate to say online, educating them on how bullying can be harmful, and providing insights into bullying and cyberbullying.

World Health Organization. (2024, March 27). One in six school-aged children experiences cyberbullying, finds new who/Europe study. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/27-03-2024-one-in-six-school-aged-children-experiences-cyberbullying--finds-new-who-europe-study

Healthy Eating

am974380_1 — 2024-09-22 01:35:05 UTC

According to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, healthy food has a huge impact on students in school. Healthy food is at the foundation of all daily activities and can play an important role in a child’s life and well-being. Proper nutrition impacts a child’s physical health, academic performance, mental health, social interactions, healthy habits, and long-term outcomes. Eating nutrient-dense foods at a young age can also impact a person’s life down the road into adulthood. Healthy eating can be addressed in the classroom by discussing what a “healthy plate” looks like and how each food group impacts your body. Ensuring that students receive nutritious foods during lunchtime can aid their academic performance and overall well-being in and outside of the classroom. Teachers can teach students about MyPlate which is a model that helps aid students with healthy eating choices and talk about some of the healthier food choices compared to foods that should be eaten in moderation.

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. (2023, November 17). Top 6 reasons healthy food is important for students in school. https://www.shfb.org/impact/blog/top-6-reasons-healthy-food-is-important-for-students-in-school/

Physical Activity

am974380_1 — 2024-09-22 01:36:06 UTC

Education Week discusses teachers' input on flexible seating in the classroom. Flexible seating offers students a variety of options to choose from to feel comfortable around the classroom. Students can sit on yoga balls, pillows, repurposed tires, couch cushions, etc. to complete their work rather than the traditional desks used in schools. Teachers have noticed that students focus more, improve their balance and strength, and enjoy completing their work more when using flexible seating in the classroom. This can also help students who struggle to concentrate on tasks and assignments as it allows them to feel comfortable in the classroom. Flexible seating can be addressed in the classroom by implementing different flexible seating options for students to use. Giving students the option to sit on different materials may help them stay more engaged and feel a sense of choice. These items can be repurposed from year to year and found in affordable options on the Facebook marketplace, from friends, objects around the school, or even from your own house. Teachers need to learn about this topic as it may improve performance in the classroom, aid behavior management, and focus for students.

Meisner, C. (2023, August 18). Do classrooms need yoga balls and Bean Bag Chairs? teachers weigh in on flexible seating. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/do-classrooms-need-yoga-balls-and-bean-bag-chairs-teachers-weigh-in-on-flexible-seating/2023/08

Safety and Preventing Unintentional Injury

am974380_1 — 2024-09-22 01:38:23 UTC

The U.S. News World Report highlights the dangers of fireworks and injuries in recent years. Thousands of people end up in the hospital each year due to firework injuries. Injuries include the hands and fingers, larger regions of the body, and burns on the skin. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that children never play with fireworks or sparklers. They also suggest keeping a bucket of water nearby in case they malfunction. Drone light shows have become an alternative route to fireworks shows. This article can be addressed in the classroom by highlighting firework safety and how it is important for children to stay away from fireworks to avoid unintentional injuries. Discussing safety procedures to avoid harmful situations can be an important topic to discuss when talking about playground safety, bike safety, etc. Teachers can help children learn about this topic by discussing active ways to prevent unintentional injuries and how important it is to use safety precautions.

Pittman, A. (2024, July 4). How dangerous are fireworks? injuries by the numbers | healthiest communities health news | U.S. news. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/how-dangerous-are-fireworks-injuries-by-the-numbers

Personal Health and Wellness

am974380_1 — 2024-09-22 01:38:50 UTC

According to UC Davis Health, Whooping cough is spiking in the U.S.Whooping cough has three stages, the first being a runny nose and mild cough, then violent coughing, vomiting, dehydration, and then lastly a recovery phase. It can take up to six months for a child to recover from whooping cough. Doctors recommend that pregnant women get the vaccine for whopping cough to prevent newborns from getting it. This topic may be addressed in the classroom by informing students of different illnesses going around and how they can take precautions to prevent the spread. Practicing healthy handwashing procedures, covering your mouth when you sneezing and staying home when you are sick are all helpful ways to prevent illnesses from spreading. Teachers need to know about this topic because they are constantly working with children in a small space. It is important that children are educated on how to prevent illnesses to avoid sickness in the classroom.

Tomiyoshi, T. (2024, June 5). Whooping cough is spiking in the U.S.: How to protect yourself and your family. news. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/whooping-cough-is-spiking-in-the-us-how-to-protect-yourself-and-your-family/2024/05

Intentional Injury and Violence

am974380_1 — 2024-09-22 01:39:22 UTC

The Learning Policy Institute stressed the importance of school safety and creating a safe and supportive school environment. The rise in school shootings has shown a major increase in school safety procedures and concerns. Some physical security measures include controlling building access to staff using badges, security cameras, metal detectors, school resource officers, and some suggested arming school staff. Additionally, there have been strategies in place to build supportive school communities such as mental health support, social and emotional learning, and restorative practices. This topic may be addressed in the classroom through school safety procedures such as emergency drills, implementing social and emotional learning practices and check-ins, yoga/ mindfulness practices, and creating a classroom community. It is essential that teachers know about this topic to best help students. Navigating difficult situations and regulating emotions are important practices in the classroom to ensure students feel safe, and comfortable and can learn in the classroom.

Safe schools, thriving students: What we know about creating safe and supportive schools. Learning Policy Institute. (2024, January 26). https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/safe-schools-thriving-students-report

Preventing Tobacco Use

am974380_1 — 2024-09-22 01:40:30 UTC

Newsroom outlines the new American Heart Association scientific statement which discusses the effects of e-cigarette use. There has been a significant rise in e-cigarette use over the past few years especially among middle and high school students. Recent studies show the long-term impacts that e-cigarettes have on children’s hearts, lungs, and blood vessels. The fun flavors and packaging make e-cigarettes more appealing to the younger generations and it is branded as a way to quit smoking. Although these products are used for people to quit smoking, it has caused an increase in nicotine addiction. This topic may be introduced in the elementary classroom in a D.A.R.E. program or when talking about drug and alcohol prevention and peer pressure. It is important for teachers to know about this topic because there has been a huge increase in recent years and it is starting to impact younger generations. Additionally, students may have family members that use e-cigarettes or be pressured to use them later on in life so it is important they know the harmful effects of using them.

Newsroom. (2023, July 17). Current evidence identifies health risks of e-cigarette use; long-term research needed. American Heart Association. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/current-evidence-identifies-health-risks-of-e-cigarette-use-long-term-research-needed#:~:text=DALLAS%2C%20July%2017%2C%202023%20%E2%80%94,in%20the%20Association%27s%20flagship%20journal

Preventing Alcohol and Drug Use

am974380_1 — 2024-09-22 01:41:36 UTC

According to the American Psychological Association, more teens than ever are overdosing and abusing substances. They discussed how the “ just say no” campaign does not work for young children because of peer pressure and pure risks. The article also highlighted how drug use can lead to other addictive behaviors such as gambling, , fighting, drag racing, and other risky behaviors. This topic may be discussed in the classroom through alcohol and drug prevention programs or when discussing what is a risky behavior. It is important that children are educated on the risks and dangers associated with drug use and other risk-taking behaviors. It's essential for teachers to know about this topic because students may be exposed to these risky behaviors at home and we want to enforce the dangers that come with these topics.

American Psychological Association. (2024, March 1). More teens than ever are overdosing. psychologists are leading new approaches to combat youth substance misuse. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/03/new-approaches-youth-substance-misuse