Health Annotations by Alexandra Markowitz

Mental Health

alimarkowitz126 — 2024-01-17 13:49:40 UTC

This article on mental health from the American Psychological Association examines the psychological impacts of Covid-19 in America. Due to long-term stress from Covid-19, there has been a significant increase in reported mental health conditions and chronic illnesses. The majority of adults downplayed their stress knowing others had worse. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can use brain breaks in between lessons to allow students to let loose and relieve their stress. There can also be a cool-down corner where students can go to relax and recompose themselves.

American Psychological Association. (2023, November 1). Stress in America™ 2023: A nation grappling with psychological impacts of collective trauma [Press release]. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/psychological-impacts-collective-trauma

Healthy Eating

alimarkowitz126 — 2024-01-17 22:55:34 UTC

This article on healthy eating from NBC News discuss what foods nutritionists and dietitians avoid in their own lives. They tend to foods and beverages that are high in added sugar and sodium. Instead, they stray towards the whole foods approach, which uses fresh meats and produce to get all their nutrients. The article also emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating healthy, and you have to make sure what you're eating is balanced. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can talk about the food pyramid and what makes a balanced diet.

Mogg, K. (2023, December 10). Nutritionists and dietitians reveal the foods they avoid in their own lives. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nutritionists-dietitians-reveal-foods-they-avoid-rcna128794

Physical Activity

alimarkowitz126 — 2024-01-17 23:59:11 UTC

This article on exercise from Iowa State University examines the results of half-cardio and half-strength training to reduce cardiovascular disease. Study results indicate splitting physical activity between aerobic and resistance training reduces cardiovascular disease more than aerobic only. Currently, the right dose of exercise is at least 150 minutes each week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise and two sessions per week of resistance training. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can introduce various exercises that are both resistance and aerobic for the children to try. The teacher can make a brief PowerPoint that explains each exercise and send the PowerPoint to parents/students.

Lee, D.-C. (2024, January 17). New research finds half-cardio, half-strength training reduces cardiovascular disease risks. Iowa State University News Service. https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2024/01/17/cardio-strength

Personal Health & Wellness

alimarkowitz126 — 2024-01-18 00:13:49 UTC

This article on personal health and wellness from ABC News gives an update about the measles outbreak in Philadelphia. As of January 16, there is a confirmed 9 cases of measles. 8 of these cases are in Philadelphia, and 1 case is in Camden County, New Jersey. Measles is a very contagious disease and if not treated, it can lead to pneumonia, brain infection, and death. The city has set up vaccination sites for anybody who wants the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can talk to students about why it is important to get checked out when they're not feeling well.

9th case of measles confirmed in Philadelphia as city organizes vaccination opportunities. (2024, January 16). 6ABC Action News. https://6abc.com/measles-outbreak-vaccination-clinics-philadelphia/14331178/

Intentional Injury & Violence

alimarkowitz126 — 2024-01-18 00:29:46 UTC

This article on intentional injury and violence from Psychology Today explains how to reduce risk when reporting. Being Mandated Reporters (MRs) means we have to report suspected abuse, but even with immunity, there are still risks. If a MR isn't sure about suspected child, document and ask a school administrator for help. Not reporting holds consequences for the MR varying from fines to jail time. As MRs, we need to be realistic about reporting risks and do our best to protect ourselves when performing this critical mandate. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can let children know they are there for them as well as guidance counselors. There isn't much teachers can do except let children know they want the best for them and will support them no matter what.

Sippel, F. (2024, January 16). Reducing Risk When Reporting Suspected Child Abuse. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dont-shoot-the-messenger/202401/reducing-risk-when-reporting-suspected-child-abuse

Preventing Tobacco Use

alimarkowitz126 — 2024-01-18 00:42:49 UTC

This article on preventing tobacco use from the CDC discusses how e-cigarette use is down among U.S. high school students. Youth e-cigarette use remains a critical public health concern, as approximately half of students who ever tried e-cigarettes reported currently using them. This indicates that many youth who try e-cigarettes remain e-cigarette users. Youth tobacco product use can lead to lifelong nicotine addiction and subsequent disability, disease, and death. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can talk about the risks associated with e-cigarettes and tobacco and why it is damaging to the developing adolescent brain.

E-cigarette Use Down Among U.S. High School Students in 2023. (2023, November 3). CDC Newsroom. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s1102-e-cigarettes-down.html

Preventing Alcohol Use

alimarkowitz126 — 2024-01-18 00:52:40 UTC

This article on preventing alcohol use from the Mayo Clinic Health Center gives parents tips on how to talk to their children in order to prevent alcohol use. Children don't know if the media is giving them the truth or spreading lives, that when parents to talk to them, the children are given the truth. Talking openly about these topics gives children an understanding as to why alcohol use is bad. In the PK-4th classroom, the teacher can explain the signs of excessive alcohol use and various interventions that can work for them.

Oesterle, T. (2023, December 8). Have you talked to your children about alcohol use? Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/have-you-talked-to-your-children-about-alcohol-use

Grief/Loss

alimarkowitz126 — 2024-01-18 01:03:55 UTC

This article on dealing with grief and loss from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America gives tips on how to help kids deal with grief. It is essential to know that grief takes on a variety of forms and everybody experiences it differently. The most important thing and adult can do is have a conversation with the grieving child because this allows the child to feel supported. In the United States, most young people will experience bereavement or the death of a family member or friend by the time they reach high school graduation. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can send out "Handle with Care" papers, which allows parents to discreetly tell the teacher something difficult is going on at home. Also, let the child know the classroom is a safe space to deal with their emotions and thoughts, and that you will be there for them no matter what.

When a Loved One Dies: Helping Kids Cope with Grief. (2023, November 28). Boys & Girls Clubs of America. https://www.bgca.org/news-stories/2023/November/when-a-loved-one-dies-helping-kids-cope-with-grief