Page 98 - fourth year book

SCHOOL HEALTH

Introduction:

The health of children and their learning are interrelated.
Educational experiences must be provided that will enable students to
live in a healthful manner. The school has a fundamental concern for all
aspects of child’s health and wellbeing. Though the primary

responsibility for the health of school - aged children lies with their
parents, the schools have immeasurable potentials for affecting the
health of children, their families and eventually the health of the
community.

Characteristics of school age period

 Period of growth and development
 Period of play and creation
 Period of hyperactivity
 Period of stress

Needs of school age children:

1. Nutritional needs: The number of calories a school-age child needs
each day depends on his age, gender and activity level. For example:

Girls ages 9 to 13 require 1,400 to 2,200 calories and teen girls ages 14
to 18 need about 1,800 to 2,400 calories each day. While, Boys ages 9 to
13 need 1,600 to 2,600 and teen boys ages 14 to 18 need about 2,000 to
3,200 calories per day to maintain a healthy body weight. It should be
well balanced diet containing all nutrients and vitamins, minerals as

well as adequate fluid intake.
2. Protection from infection: e.g. Parasitic diseases as Ascaris,

Respiratory diseases as broncho-pneumonia, Skin diseases as scabies,
tenias and Infectious diseases as typhoid, mumps, and whooping
cough.

3. Sanitary environment (home, school): through;
 Avoid noise and noisy places around the school.
 School building must be wide with sufficient play area.
 Good ventilation in classrooms.

 Safe water supply and natural and artificial light.
 Clean baths and insect control.

4. Exercises:
 There should be a wide safe play area.
 School schedule should include physical training lessons.
 Teach children the proper body mechanism while sitting, reading.

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