Integrate Health Into School Education

Health education is more than simply a subject; it is an essential component of children's holistic development. Given the continually rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases among young people, including obesity, mental health disorders, and substance abuse, schools must take the initiative to provide children with the information and skills they need to live healthy lives. Students who participate in a school health education programme have the fundamental knowledge and abilities necessary to make wise decisions regarding their health. It ensures that young people develop into responsible adults who value their health, helps avoid illnesses, and encourages healthy lifestyle choices.

The biggest health issues facing today's youngsters are non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, which are on the rise. Poor eating habits, inadequate physical activity, and unhealthy lifestyles that start in childhood have all been linked to these illnesses. In recent years, there has been an increase in mental health problems among youth. Students frequently experience stress, anxiety, sadness, and peer pressure. Most of them don't have the coping skills needed to deal with those conditions.

Hygiene habits

Many diseases can be avoided with basic hygiene habits, including handwashing, dental care, and adequate sanitation. The best place for teaching children those behaviours is schools. Unreliable sources provide a lot of young people with inaccurate information about their bodies and reproductive health.

Concern over young people's use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is growing. Many adolescents try these substances due to peer pressure, curiosity, or lack of information about the risks involved. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the primary causes of non-communicable diseases among children and teenagers. As technology has advanced, many children spend too much time in front of screens and do very little physical activity. Students must be equipped to deal with emergencies and accidents that can occur at any time. School health education must include instruction on basic first aid.

School health education can significantly contribute to the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases by teaching students about healthy eating, the value of exercise, and the dangers of bad habits. Early education about exercise and a healthy diet increases a child's likelihood of maintaining these behaviours as an adult and lowers their risk of non-communicable diseases. Mental health issues should be covered in a school health education programme, which teaches children how to cope with stress, develop resilience, and get help when they need it. By promoting candid conversations and offering support networks in schools, it also aids in eradicating the stigma associated with mental health concerns.

The significance of hygiene education cannot be overemphasised, particularly given recent worldwide health emergencies such as the COVID-19 epidemic. Disease transmission in schools and communities can be considerably decreased by teaching students how to maintain good hygiene and contain the spread of infections. Accurate and developmentally appropriate information regarding puberty, reproductive health, contraception, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and consent should be taught in a school-based sexual health education program. This knowledge decreases the transmission of STIs, minimises adolescent pregnancies, and assists students in making responsible decisions.

Students can learn about the risks of substance abuse and develop the ability to withstand peer pressure through school health education programmes. Schools can, therefore, play a vital role in avoiding substance addiction and its effects by raising awareness and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. The value of physical activity should be taught in health education. To encourage children to keep active, schools might incorporate fitness, yoga, and sports into their curricula. By lowering stress and increasing focus, physical activity benefits not only physical health but also mental health. Schools may make a safer atmosphere by educating students on how to handle crises, respond to injuries, and do CPR. When there is no quick access to medical help, this information can save lives.

Approaches

Instead of making health education an elective, schools must make it a requirement. To guarantee that students receive ongoing instruction on a variety of health-related subjects, it should be taught consistently from elementary school through high school. All facets of health education cannot be handled by teachers alone. To give children the right information and direction, schools should work with psychologists, fitness specialists, nutritionists, and healthcare professionals.

Candid conversations 

Schools should promote candid conversations about health issues so that children can seek advice and ask questions without worrying about being judged. Peer support groups and counseling services can also be established to increase the efficacy of health education. To reinforce health education at home, the parents’ role is crucial. To ensure that students get consistent health messages at home and school, schools should involve parents through workshops, seminars, and instructional materials.

Textbooks shouldn't be the only source of health instruction. To make studying more interesting and effective, schools can host events like fitness competitions, cooking workshops, mental health awareness campaigns, and first aid training sessions. Getting appropriate knowledge is only one aspect of health education in schools; another is forming lifelong habits. Therefore, a well-designed health education programme can be very helpful in preventing illnesses, fostering mental health, and equipping children to live longer, fulfilling, and healthier lives. Hence, investing in school health education is an investment in our society's future.

(Dr. Lohani is the executive director at the Health Concern. lohanis@gmail.com)