Motivating Pediatricians to Become Involved in
School Health

SLIDE I-7

1. Components of School Health Programs

The abbreviation "CSHP" (coordinated school health programs) refers to a comprehensive or coordinated school health program. Models and definitions of school health programs can vary significantly, and no single model is best. CSHPs must be developed according to the needs and resources of the communities they serve, most often CSHP includes the following eight components:

• Health education (a planned, sequential, K-12 program that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of health)
• Physical education (a planned, sequential, K-12 program that promotes physical fitness and includes activities students can pursue throughout their lifetime)
• School health services (prevention and early intervention, emergency care, referral to community health services, and management of chronic health conditions, provided to individuals and groups of students)
• Nutrition services (nutritious and appealing meals, an environment that promotes healthful food choices, and support for nutrition instruction)
• Healthy school environment (both the physical and psychosocial climate of the school)
• Counseling, psychological, and social services (connections with individuals, groups, and systems using school-based interventions and referrals to community health care professionals)
• Health promotion for staff (health assessments, education, and fitness activities for faculty and staff to allow staff to demonstrate a commitment to health and to serve as positive role models)
• Parent and community involvement (a wide range of resources and support that enhance the health and well-being of students)

SLIDE I-8

2. Correlation Between Health and Education

The interaction between the health and educational systems has a major effect on the development and well-being of children.

• School achievement is affected by children's health. Physical illness and injury can result in a student's absence from school and be detrimental to learning. Mental and emotional problems can have the same effect.
• Health is affected by what children learn and do at school. Good health habits can be taught in the classroom, modeled by teachers, and learned from school health personnel. A child's health can be affected by the physical and emotional environment of the school and by its nutritional and physical education programs.

SLIDE I-9