School health programs are crucial for children | Opinion
The American School Health Association recently contacted me for possible involvement in their October centennial national conference held in Indianapolis. It reminded me of my work in addressing school-health issues when I was Indiana’s state health commissioner and how important schools are to supporting children’s health. Schools are part of our public health system and play a significant role in assuring our children’s physical, social, and emotional health. Schools are ideal places to meet children where they are. It’s difficult for an unhealthy, disadvantaged, or struggling child to learn and prepare for a productive, well-adjusted life. Schools can help reduce health disparities and, ultimately, health care costs. They support physical health by providing physical education, organized sports, and health education that includes instruction on disease prevention, sexual health, and healthy nutrition and lifestyles. Education regarding the perils of substance abuse, including tobacco, vaping, and alcohol, can reduce initiation and foster resistance to peer pressure. Knowledge is power. School breakfast and lunch programs are particularly critical for low-income children, many of whom rely on these meals as a primary source of daily nutrition. It’s difficult for a hungry child to learn. School-based health clinics improve access to medical and preventative care,
