Healthy children more likely to succeed

One of the many requirements for a satisfied student is a healthy and well-balanced approach to living. This lesson must be taught at home and school.
There have been several studies that cite the correlation between health and success in school. It is critical as both parents and educators that we provide healthy environment and healthy options for children. It is in this context that students gain an appreciation for both their physical health and their environmental health; both are essential to well balanced students.

Parents are the primary health providers for their children. All parents must provide their children with both medical and dental care. If these are neglected, students begin to feel a self-consciousness that will later begin to develop into a self-esteem problem.

Good health begins to assure students that they are valued and understood.  Students should have their teeth examined at least yearly and preferably twice a year. Good teeth appearance helps create a healthy appearance and smile. It builds confidence in children. Parents should understand the importance of follow-up exams.

Periodical reviews from their children’s doctor assure that their child/children are growing and developing into a healthy child. Parents are the primary diet providers for their children. They must provide healthy food; a selection of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, milk and meats. There should be a reduction of sugar intake and salt. Children must have adequate water and fewer sodas. Too often children are consuming an abundance of foods that do not provide them with sound nutrition. Parents must safeguard their children from false nutrition.

Parents are the primary physical education teacher for their children. In addition to good food and a healthy environment, parents must make sure that their children are exercising daily. Children should not spend more time watching television and talking on the phone than exercising and getting fresh air. Children should be challenged to be physically fit and alert.

Parents are the primary peacemakers for their children. Children who are healthy mentally, physically and socially come from a peaceful, enriching and appreciative family. Respect for self and to others is taught early at home and demonstrated daily and monitored throughout their development. Schools are the secondary providers of health, exercise, diet, respect and peace. The school environment should provide at all times a place where students receive a healthy breakfast, lunch and often an after school snack.

The school provides physical education classes, character development classes and guidance for students. Schools are peaceful environments mostly and they provide a wealth of opportunities for maximum learning. School leaders and their staff daily provide the needed leadership in a variety of areas that often is lacking in several homes.

Marion County health systems, community health clinics and a variety of health organizations provide excellent service for the citizens of Marion County. Parents should use the host of services from screenings, workshops, clinics and seminars to assist them in providing a healthy home environment.
Marion County offers an array of support programs from mental health, exercise programs and parenting classes as well as behavioral interventions.

Parents taking advantage of these resources can assist in providing their children a healthy environment in which to develop. Together as a concerned community we can continue to provide children the health and guidance that is needed to grow and develop. Home, school and community working together can assure us a healthy family, school and community.