School health programming to meet the needs of at risk students
Date
1997
Authors
Walkowycki, Arlene J
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1997
Abstract
''Most health problems in North America today result from health compromising
environments, as well as from personal behaviors established during the school years.
Many people believe and expect adolescents to be healthy, yet they are the only group to
experience an increase in mortality and morbidity since 1960 (Curtis, 1992). Although
prevention is a difficult concept to sell, children who are at risk for school failure are
also at risk for poor health. Schools are already serving as centers for delivering varied
services and are establishing links between students, families and community resources
(Graham & Uphold, 1993). Although there are literally thousands of "canned" health
programs available to schools and teachers, there is little available for at risk students.
Government and administrators have set the standard for mainstream youth and many
teachers are not trained in adolescent development and health promotion. Public health
nurses and community agencies are not being utilized for promoting healthy lifestyles.
The most successful health programs have been those involving youth themselves. To
reach these young people most in need, we need to find ways, in the services and
information we offer, to fit into their frame of reference and their way of doing things.
A health needs assessment was conducted by means of focus groups with at risk students
at an alternate school. The data was analyzed/or themes. A special health activity will
be planned using this data. "
Description
v, 41 leaves ; 28 cm. --
Keywords
Children with social disabilities -- Education , Children with social disabilities -- Health and hygiene