Several Opportunities In May to Celebrate Health in Schools

April 17, 2008 - The month of May has several events that can help schools promote children’s health, create healthier and safer school environments, and get students ready to learn.  Below is a list of some of the month’s events that can be celebrated in your school or school district:

• Asthma Awareness Month:  Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asthma affects approximately 22 million people within the U.S. and, yet, public awareness of common asthma triggers and asthma management remains limited. Promoted by the EPA, this event is a national effort to educate communities about comprehensive asthma management.  To help plan for an event, the EPA created an Asthma Awareness Month Event Planning Kit.
  
  
• Mental Health Month:  A mental health program is an essential component of coordinated school health program (CSHP) and it can make students feel safe and supported.  Sponsored by Mental Health America (MHA), this event was created to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for all.  This year’s theme is “Get Connected.”  To learn more, please visit http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may.

• National Physical Education and Sport Week (May 1 – 7):  Sponsored by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), this year’s theme is “Moving is a Learning Experience,” which was chosen to highlight the link between physical activity and academic achievement.  For additional information, please visit http://www.aahperd.org/Naspe/MayWeek/2008/template.cfm?template=main.htm.

• The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (May 7^th):  The Day’s objective is to focus the attention of teens on the importance of avoiding too-early pregnancy and parenthood.  Organized by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, its main message is that “sex has consequences.”  The website StayTeen.org provides a short, scenario-based "quiz" for teens that asks what they would do in a number of risky sexual situations and is designed to help them come up with their own plans for avoiding pregnancy.  For additional information, please visit http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/national/default.aspx.

• World No Tobacco Day (May 31^st):  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use is the second leading cause of preventable death in the world. In addition, hundreds of thousands of people who have never used tobacco die each year from diseases caused by breathing second-hand tobacco smoke.  The great majority of tobacco users become addicted as children or adolescents. For more information, please visit http://www.who.int/tobacco/communications/events/wntd/2007/en/.