Health & Wellness
Health is a state of physical, emotional and mental well being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Children’s health has always been a priority of the PTA. Issues have included childhood asthma, sun safety, tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse, risky sexual behaviors, obesity, and mental health.
Comprehensive school health programs should be developed, instead of zeroing in on crisis situations. A coordinated school health program consists of eight components: healthful school environment; health services; health education; physical education; counseling, psychological, and social services; nutrition services; family and community involvement; and health promotion for staff. The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, part of the CDC, provides a detailed explanation of each of these components.
Immunization News
The Georgia Department of Human Resources made changes to immunization requirements for children entering schools and attending childcare facilities, effective July 1, 2007. You can view an archived web cast of the March 1st Video Interactive Conference System (VICS) program, which focused on “Changes to the Georgia DHR Immunization Rules & Regulations for Childcare and School.” Additionally, you can download resources from the web cast that can be printed and photocopied for distribution.
For more information, call the Georgia Immunization Program at (404) 657-3158, or visit
http://www.health.state.ga.us/programs/immunization/.
Specific Topics
Resources