Importance of School Health Programs for Children: A Comprehensive Overview

School health program Dr. Amany Edward Prof. Of public health

The objectives and functions of the school health services 1. To make certain that every school child is as fit as possible so that each may obtain the maximum benefit from his education. 2. To promote positive health in all children attending school.

3. Creation of a suitable environment for health, physically, mentally, and emotionally 4. Training of school children on health habits. 5. Care of handicapped children, according to the condition of their cases

The Importance of School Health Program School children are subjected to special considerations because: a. They are major segment: of children in school age, comprises 20% of the population (6-18 years). b. This age group is critical stage of human life cycle characterized by rapid physiological and psychological changes that require special attention from the health care system

c. Children of school age are highly exposed to the risk of communicable diseases. d. There are a close association between health and education.

In Egypt, the school health program is provided by the Health Insurance Organization (HIO) is called School Health Insurance Program. The school health services are provided by general practitioners & specialists, with a nurse in every school.

Components of School Health Program 1. Health promotion 2. School environment 3. Medical Services 4. Social service

1) Health Promotion: Aim to: achieve & maintain high standard of health through 1. Adequate nutrition (school feeding program.} 2. Sanitary school environment. 3. Sound mental development: proper emotional & behavioral adjustment. 4. Musculoskeletal development: physical exercise & games. 5. Prevention of Fatigue: school day& home work. 6. Recreation: picnics, camping, school parties, etc.

2) School environment: should be healthy and safe A. School surroundings: * Site of school should be built in healthy environment away environmental from all kinds pollution. of * The area around the school should apply safety measures to prevent road and traffic accidents. Street vendors should be prevented.

b. School building: * The shape of school buildings must be as follows: the pattern of wings, its model takes the form of letters E or T or L, the distance between wings not less than 20 m, this gives better chance for natural lighting and ventilation. * The building of laboratories is better separated from the building of classes as a prophylactic measure against fires or chemical explosion.

* The storey not more than 2-3 floors. * The building should be provided with a damp proof, fire proof and rat's proof.

c. Classroom ventilation and lighting * The classroom should have adequate space related to the number of students to avoid crowding (1.5m2/student) * The area of window(s) must be not less than 1/6 of the whole area of class. The windows should allow for cross ventilation and Windows should be higher than the students head while sitting to avoid are kept open air currents * The class should include proper illumination that is evenly distributed with no glistening over the blackboard.

d. Desks and Seats: Should be suitable for the size of the students and desk sloping to facilitate the process of writing without any physical stress on the student. e. School sanitation; The daily activities of the school should be arranged to follow properly the sanitary measures as much as possible; water supply, sewage disposal, refuse disposal, vectors control, proper ventilation, and lightening.

3) Medical Services A. Health appraisal: Assessment or evaluation of health status. It includes Comprehensive medical Examination, screening tests and survey study. B.Prevention & control of diseases: Prevention of infectious diseases General measures: School Environment Sanitation by adequate ventilation & spacing of classrooms Health Education: of pupils, their families & school personnel. Health promotion: to increase body resistance as adequate nutrition, Physical exercise. School Personnel through Pre-placement & periodic examinations and their Health Education and supervision during work Specific Prevention: Immunization

Control of infectious diseases in school Health Appraisal: supervision of children to spot suspected cases. Control measures for cases, contacts & place C. Health education: * To make students & family understand meaning & requirement of health. * To motivate students & personnel to acquire healthy behavior.

4) Social Services: These services provided by full time counselor, social workers and psychologist. What are the duties of school health physician? 1. Medical examination of students at preadmission/and periodic especially for students of first and fourth class. 2. Providing medical care for sick children.

3. Providing first aid care for those exposed to accidents or emergencies. 4. Prevention and control of infectious diseases. 5. Health education. 6. Supervision of health records. 7. General inspection of the school and school environment to detect any fault that threat student's health. 8. Participates in the local committees which plan the different activities that related to educational process.