1. Benefits, Bonding and Behaviours Why should my school become a Health Promoting School…..

2. What does a Health Promoting School look like? The whole school community is working towards a positive learning and working environment that supports the link between health and education Student leadership Embedded in curriculum School connectedness Social environment Physical environment Evidence-based practice Healthy eating Physical activity champions community home

3. How does it work? Comprehensive School Health

4. Where is it working? School and Provincial regional level policy activity platforms within Albertaacross Canada International – examples include: National Healthy School Status – England South Australia, a deliberate policy for comprehensive school health is coming together

5. Why does it work?

6. Multifaceted approach 1.Physical activity 2.Healthy eating 3.Mental wellbeing

7. 1. Physical Activity

8. Physical activity plays an important role in facilitating learning and academic performance. Active Healthy Kids Canada – Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth Overview, 2009, www.activehealthykids.ca

9. Why Physical Activity in Schools? 87% of Canadian children/youth are NOT meeting the recommended 90 minutes of physical activity a day Children and youth spend roughly 40% of their day in school

10. Physical Activity and Academic Achievement When the time is taken away from other subjects, physical education and physical activity do not negatively affect academic achievement but have positive effects on learning and academic performance

11. Physical Activity and Academic Achievement Physical fitness and active living have positive effects on academic performance, including: academic readiness achievement in math tests reading perceptual skills

12. Physical Activity and Behaviour Physical inactivity is associated with emotional and behavioural problems in adolescents. Physical activity impacts upon numerous mental health outcomes including anxiety, depression and rule-breaking behaviour.

13. Physical Activity & Health Benefits Physical inactivity in children and youth has been directly linked to increased incidence of : hypertension metabolic syndrome blood pressure diabetes CVD risk factors Physical activity is associated with decreased susceptibility to smoking among youth. Active living is positively associated with self-esteem, whereas sedentary behaviour is negatively associated with self-esteem.

14. 2. Healthy Eating

15. Healthy Eating and Academic Achievement An adequate diet that provides a wide variety of foods is positively associated with academic performance. fruit and vegetable intake and intake of fat is positively associated with academic performance.

16. Healthy Eating and Behaviour Virtually all behavioural, emotional and academic problems are more prevalent in hungry children Community Childhood Hunger Identification Project

17. Healthy Eating and Health Benefits The socioeconomic benefits of positive educational attainment carry a child forth into their adult life: incidence of chronic disease incidence of obesity There are consistent research findings that show that children who are overweight have poorer levels of academic achievement

18. 3. Mental Well-being

19. Mental Health defined “A state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” World Health Organization (WHO) “Striking a balance in all aspects of your life: social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental.” Canadian Mental Health Association

20. How can schools contribute to positive mental health?

21. School connectedness influences mental health Youth who do not have a sense of school belonging are more likely to experience emotional distress, thoughts of suicide and substance use problems.

22. School connectedness influences mental health Among younger teens, a high level of school connectedness is related to fewer depressive symptoms over time.

23. School Connectedness defined the extent to which youth perceive positive support or caring from individuals adults in their school setting

24. School Connectedness defined “When young people consistently receive empathy, attention and praise at school they feel a sense of belonging and support that is the spring board for healthy growth and development” Whitlock, 2003

25. School Connectedness and Academic Achievement A school connected environment increases the likelihood of academic success Vulnerable youth who feel connected are more likely to: report good or excellent health do well in school continue with school past grade 12.

26. School Connectedness and Behaviour School connectedness is an important factor in reducing the likelihood that teens will engage in health-compromising behaviours: smoking substance abuse violence high risk sexual behaviours suicide

27. School Connectedness and Behaviour If students feel connected to their school they are less likely to skip school or be involved in bullying behaviour or vandalism.

28. School Connectedness and Health Benefits self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image in negative risk behaviours or prevention of anxiety and depression

29. There are lots of reasons for your school to become a health promoting school!

30. Need help to get started?

31. Ever Active Schools Vision Alberta students live, learn and play in healthy, active school communities. Mission Statement Ever Active Schools facilitates the development of healthy children and youth by fostering social and physical environments that support healthy, active school communities.

32. How can Ever Active Schools help you become a Health Promoting School?

33. Supports Professional Development Workshops Special Events: HASS 09 Resource Development Implementation HATS, Action Plans Success Stories and Sharing Communication Website EverACTIVE! Newsletter Member Updates Research District implementation model (Battle River Project) Updates and latest studies

34. Support and Expertise Education tracy@everactive.org Schools joyce@everactive.org Communication shorricks@brsd.ab.ca Director / Research doug@everactive.org Admin Support rhonda@everactive.org karen@everactive.org

35. The Journey Continues… www.everactive.org