Health Annotations by Brooke Novak

Physical Activity - Chair Yoga

bn969167_1 — 2024-09-12 17:16:48 UTC

This article on chair yoga from CNN examines the benefits of participating in chair yoga, especially those who spend the majority of their day at a desk. This yoga practice can be done without leaving your chair. Just fifteen minutes of chair yoga a day is scientifically proven to improve stress and other psychological factors. It also helps improve your concentration and focus. In the PK-4 classroom teachers can integrate this practice without the children having to leave their desks. This is a great low impact activity that all students will be able to participate in. Chair yoga can be used as a quick brain break activity to improve the students concentration.

McManus, M. R. (2024, September 3). Chair yoga is not just for older people. it’s good for everyone, especially the desk-bound. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/03/health/chair-yoga-flexibility-stress-relief-wellness/index.html

Healthy Eating - 7 Critical Nutrients

bn969167_1 — 2024-09-12 17:36:07 UTC

This article on nutrition from CNN focuses on the importance of ensuring you are getting enough of the following seven critical nutrients: calcium, folate, iodine, iron, magnesium, niacin, and riboflavin. These nutrients are all essential to our daily diet. A research team concluded that 99.3% of the population has a deficiency. PK-4 teachers can teach their students about healthy eating habits. Teachers can discuss different foods that contain each of these different nutrients. For example, milk has calcium and niacin is found in meats and poultry.

Rogers, K. (2024, September 11). Billions aren’t eating enough of 7 critical nutrients, study finds. CNN.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/11/health/global-nutrient-intake-study-wellness/index.html

Personal Health & Wellness - Bedtime Anxiety

bn969167_1 — 2024-09-12 17:53:23 UTC

This article on sleep anxiety from CNN discusses the common challenge of anxiety before bedtime. One in four children are facing sleep troubles due to anxiety and stress. This can be triggered from many different factors, such as a change in routine. Bedtime anxiety can be reduced by using techniques such as drinking herbal tea, saying affirmations, and reading books together. PK-4 teachers can integrate meditation techniques into the classroom. For example, they may have students take a couple deep breaths when they become frustrated. The teacher should then tell the students that they can use these strategies before bed to help them get a better sleep.

Nicioli, T. (2024, June 17). Why your child may be feeling anxious before bedtime. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/17/health/children-sleep-issues-bedtime-anxiety-wellness/index.html

Mental & Emotional Health - Bullying and Cyberbullying

bn969167_1 — 2024-09-13 16:23:25 UTC

This article on bullying and cyberbullying from Medline Plus discusses the different types of bullying and how to address bullying. Signs of bullying and cyberbullying can be hard to notice. The three types are physical, social, and verbal. Children who are isolated, have depression, have a disability, and are viewed differently than others are more likely to experience depression at some point during their lives. PK-4 teachers can integrate this topic in the classroom by having a class discussion about the dangers of bullying and how to ask for help. The teacher should also share with the students what to do if they are a bystander.

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, January 29). Bullying and cyberbullying. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/bullyingandcyberbullying.html

Intentional Injury & Violence - Gun Safety in Classrooms

bn969167_1 — 2024-09-13 16:40:39 UTC

This article on school shooting safety from CNN discusses the changes that are taking place in the classroom in order to create the safest space possible for students. A rising number in school shootings means schools and parents must take safety rules into their own hands. Just this year, 32 school shootings took place on K-12 school grounds, and at least 13 others on university campuses. With the increased number of shootings, schools are installing door window covers, whiteboard safe rooms, bullet resistant windows, and auto locking doors. PK-4 teachers should ensure that all students know where to go in the case of an emergency. They should talk to students about the safety procedures and the school building should host safety drills to ensure the students understand these rules.

Cable News Network. (2024, September 5). Gun violence is remaking America’s classrooms. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2023/us/changing-classrooms-shooting-safety-dg/

Preventing Alcohol/Drug Use - Drugs & Alcohol to Cope with Stress

bn969167_1 — 2024-09-13 16:49:49 UTC

This article on drugs and alcohol from CNN examines the link between stress and drugs and alcohol. Nearly 75% of teens admitted to leaning on drugs and alcohol to feel calm and relaxed. Most substance use begins in early adolescent years, creating disorders and overdoses in the adult years. PK-4 teachers should discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol use. They could show animated videos explaining the dangers and side effects of using drugs and alcohol, and should be familiar with what to do if they are ever offered these substances.

McPhillips, D. (2024, February 8). Stress is a key factor driving some teens to drugs and alcohol, CDC study warns. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/08/health/youth-mental-health-substance-use-wellness/index.html

Death/Grief/Loss - Suicide

bn969167_1 — 2024-09-13 17:08:09 UTC

This article on suicide from CNN discusses the dangerously high number of suicide attempts that have taken place. In 2022, 49,000 people died by suicide just in the United States. More than 72,000 people died globally, and is the third leading cause of death for individuals ages 15 to 29. It also discusses the five things you should know about suicide. PK-4 teachers can discuss the dangers of suicide and the possible warning signs to look for. They should also educate their students on how they can help in ways such as familiarizing themselves with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Rogers, K. (2024b, September 11). Billions aren’t eating enough of 7 critical nutrients, study finds. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/11/health/global-nutrient-intake-study-wellness/index.html

Preventing Tobacco Use - Vaping

bn969167_1 — 2024-09-13 17:33:07 UTC

This article on protecting youth from vaping from the CDC discusses the harmful side effects of youth using vaping devices. In 2023, 4.6 % of middle school students and 10% of high school students used vapes. Using nicotine products before the age of 25 can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, impulse control, mood, and learning. Nicotine is highly addictive and can be a leading factor of stress and poor mental health. PK-4 teachers should educate their students on the dangers that come with vaping. They can host a class discussion on what to do if you are peer pressured into vaping by a friend or peer, as well as providing them resources if they ever become addicted and need help.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, August 26). Helpful tips for protecting youth from the harms of Vaping. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/tobacco-features/back-to-school.html