For Additional Resources on These Topics and Others Related to School Health s7
For additional resources on these topics and others related to school health
education and services, visit the School Health Program Web site at
www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth
Quote to Note:
“For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”
Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy, U.S. senator from Massachusetts
Upcoming Conferences, Trainings and Professional Development:
Texas School Nurses Organization Annual Conference – November 6-8, 2009
To be held in Dallas, Texas, the goals of this conference are to 1) make the latest research and evidence for treatment of chronic diseases available, 2) increase physical assessment skills and 3) support health promotion for Texas students. In addition, networking and collaboration across the state school nursing community is encouraged. For more information and to register, go to www.txsno.org/tsno_2009_conference.asp?s_mode=edit&ID=906.
Health Education:
SAMSHA Announces Continuing Drop in Tobacco Sales to Minors
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently announced that sales of tobacco to underage youth have continued to decline, and have in fact reached historic lows under the Synar Amendment program - a federal and state partnership program aimed at ending illegal tobacco sales to minors. Read more at www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0908112615.aspx.
Physical Education:
Online physical education classes offered in Minnesota
Some Minnesota students are taking physical education classes online. Students complete a text portion as well as physical exercise -- a heart-rate monitor provides proof of activity. Proponents say the program allows students to earn physical education credits on their own time. But even supporters worry about students missing out on the camaraderie of team sports. Read about it at http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/08/25/online-physical-education.
Counseling and Mental Health Services:
NEW HHS Manual Focuses on Protecting Children Impacted by Family Substance Abuse
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Children's Bureau has released "Protecting Children in Families Affected by Substance Use Disorders." The manual is part of the Bureau's Child Abuse and Neglect User Manual Series. The manual is available online at www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/substanceuse. For further information about the Child Abuse and Neglect User Manual Series, visit www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanual.cfm.
Study finds some fifth-graders are unhappy with their bodies
Being unhappy with one's body has become a popular pastime, but those engaging in it are getting younger, and they're not all female. Read more at http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/08/being-unhappy-with-ones-body-has-become-a-popular-pastime-but-those-engaging-in-it-are-getting-younger-and-theyre-not-all-f.html.
Nutrition Services and Education:
Study Shows that Peers Impact Kids' Eating Habits
A new study of 9- to 15-year-olds suggests that overweight children and teenagers may consume more when they are eating with an overweight friend than when they are with a thinner peer. Read more at www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32480900/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/from/ET.
National School Lunch Week – October 12-16, 2009
This year's theme is "All-Star School Lunch." Tools and resources to help students learn about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle are available at www.allstarschoollunch.org and www.schoolnutrition.org/Blog.aspx?id=12892&blogid=622.
Heath Services:
H1N1 Worst-Case Scenario for the Fall Released by U.S. Government
Between 60 and 120 million Americans could be sickened by the H1N1 flu, and another 30 million could get the virus without showing symptoms, according to a worst-case scenario released by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. This report also predicts 30,000 to 90,000 could die, with continued concerns about the impact this particular flu has on children and young adults. Infections will peak on Oct. 15, according to the report, when 45 million vaccine doses are expected to be available. Read more about these predictions at http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=8403214.
Talking about Diabetes at School
Whether a child with diabetes eats snacks or checks blood glucose levels in the classroom or nurse's office, classmates may want to know why. This Web site answers the questions. To find out, go to
www.diabetes.org/all-about-diabetes/thriving-with-diabetes-081408.jsp.
Safe and Healthy School Environment:
Texting Raises Crash Risk
The New York Times reports that the first study of drivers texting inside their vehicles shows the risk sharply exceeds previous estimates based on laboratory research - and far surpasses the dangers of other driving distractions. Read more at www.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/technology/28texting.html?_r=4.
Comprehensive Policies, Reports, Research and Resources:
Youth Service America – UnitedHealth HEROES Grants – Deadline: October 22, 2009
Youth Service America is accepting applications for the UnitedHealth HEROES Grants to provide support for service-learning projects that focus on childhood obesity and engage youth ages 5-25 in the planning and implementation process. Selected applicants will receive up to $1,000 in support for their service learning projects. For more specific information and to apply for this funding opportunity, go to http://ysa.org/MyYSA/YSAContent/YSANews/tabid/219/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/175/UnitedHealthHEROESServiceLearningGrantsDeadlineOctober22.aspx.
Texas Obesity Awareness Week Resources
September 14-18, 2009 is Texas Obesity Awareness Week, as announced in the August 14th Friday Beat. a resource tool to help with the promotion of this event can be found online at www.LiveSmartTexas.org or www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/dellhealthyliving.
Action Steps for Local Governments to Prevent Childhood Obesity
Recognizing that local government officials are eager to address the childhood obesity epidemic, the Institute of Medicine released today Local Government Action to Prevent Childhood Obesity, a report that serves as a practical guide for government officials at the city, town, township or county level who want to take action to address healthy eating and active living. To read the report, go to www.rwjf.org/childhoodobesity/product.jsp?id=47908.
------
The articles and external links to other sites appearing in the Friday Beat are intended to be informational and do not represent an endorsement by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The sites also may not be accessible to people with disabilities. External email links are provided to you as a courtesy. Please be advised that you are not emailing the DSHS and DSHS policies do not apply should you choose to correspond. For information about any of the programs listed, contact the sponsoring organization directly. For comments or questions about the Friday Beat, contact Ellen Smith at (512) 458-7111 ext. 2140 or by email at . Copyright free. Permission granted to forward or make copies as needed.
Friday Beat – Sept. 4, 2009 2