Health Promoting Schools Health Action Teams

What is a Health Promoting School? A health promoting school is one that constantly strengthens its capacity as a healthy setting for living, learning and working.

A Health Promoting School (WHO) Fosters health and learning Engages health and education officials, teachers, students, parents, health providers and community leaders Strives to provide a healthy environment Implements policies and practices that respect an individual's well being and dignity, Strives to improve the health of school personnel, families and community members as well as pupils; and works with community leaders to help them understand how the community contributes to, or undermines, health and education.

HPS Focus: Caring for oneself and others Making healthy decisions and taking control over life's circumstances Creating conditions that are conducive to health (through policies, services, physical / social conditions) Building capacities for peace, shelter, education, food, income, a stable ecosystem, equity, social justice, sustainable development. Preventing leading causes of death, disease and disability: helminths, tobacco use, HIV/AIDS/STDs, sedentary lifestyle, drugs and alcohol, violence and injuries, unhealthy nutrition. Influencing health-related behaviours: knowledge, beliefs, skills, attitudes, values, support.

Comprehensive School Health

Health Action Teams How can they be used to develop a Health Promoting School? Engages the whole community You are already doing it, gives you more direction, focus and allows everyone’s input

What is involved with a HAT? Consists of students, staff, parents and members of the community Regular meetings Developing goals and action plans Developing Leadership Improving Health and Wellness

Setting Up a HAT Establish a Team ▫Invite people Determine the Structure ▫Meeting times, Terms of Reference School Assessment ▫Identify Strengths and determine goals Develop an Action Plan Implement ▫Review, Adjust and Celebrate

HPS ideas to use at your school Displays Surveys Fun Days Activity Increase in school spirit

Ideas for HPS in Black Gold Breakfast programs Improving Hot Lunches Developing Resources Initiatives- ▫Walk to School Week ▫Winter Walk Day ▫Active Transportation ▫Live and Unplugged ▫Pedometer Challenge ▫Physical Activity Weeks- Girls and Boys ▫Gardens ▫Healthy Snacks ▫Bike Week