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

CSH: Background & History

“Horses are easier to ride in the direction they are going.”

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

Visioning: What Constitutes a Healthy School? n 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?

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

Definition from CASH and CNA : n “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.”

Basically…... promoting skills, values, and behaviours for healthy living.

Why has this approach gained so much popularity over the years? n because young people are more at risk n because better health means better learning n because it’s cost-effective n because it works! --> --> --> --> -->

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

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

Organizations that have officially endorsed the concept of CSH:

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

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

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

Components

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

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

Criteria for Support Services n Access to appropriate health & social services and information for children and families n Inter-agency, inter-ministry, and inter- disciplinary cooperation, coordination of services, & comprehensive policies n Inter-agency committee n Inservice training for nurses and professionals

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

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

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

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

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

Example of the concept in action

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

Six steps, con’t n Brainstorm possible joint activities/ projects. n Priorize. Choose one or two activities. Develop an action plan. n Assess. Evaluate. Celebrate successes. Choose your next steps.

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

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

The turtle wins the race.

Next Steps