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Counseling, Psychological & Social Services |
When we contemplate Coordinated School Health, many of us first think of it as a strategy to counter the obesity issue facing our nation today. We might personalize it to our own struggle to eat well and make the time to be active. However, the subject should not be simplified to a discussion on portion size and a walk after dinner.
An underlying theme is mental health. Not everyone eats food for the right reasons -- far too many people battle eating disorders. While the vast majority of Americans are too inactive, some people become compulsive exercisers. The child that doesn't participate in PE class, or behaves inappropriately during Science lab, may be having a difficult time at home. Anxiety and depression not only effect a person's mental health, but their physical well-being too. The mind-body connection is powerful and impactful; and therefore, must be respected.
This component of the CDC's eight is critical to everyone in the extended school family, yet one of the first cut when budgets are slashed. School nurses, counselors, and social workers are often in short supply -- if they're on campus at all. SPARK believes it is vital to have access to qualified professionals who can address the physical, mental, and emotional health of students and staff.
SPARK's Role: SPARK cannot write you a check or hire these people for you. What our CSHI hopes to do, is provide helpful resources on our website that will save you time. We'll do the research and due dilligence that is required. This way, you'll know that if we recommend an agency, assessment tool, or approach, it will be because it has been shown to be effective and sustainable.
To have access to this section of our website (coming spring 2010) you'll need a user name and password, as it's only available to our SPARK Family.
It's easy to become a member; simply purchase one of our SPARK products or programs. For more information on how to become a member, Click Here.