Health Education

When parents ask their kids how their day was at school or what they learnt, many parents have in mind English, math or other “regular” subjects. Perhaps not enough importance or emphasis is placed on heath education, which encourages kids to develop good eating and exercise habits that will increase their vitality and ensure they live productive, healthy lives. Health education is different from physical education, since it is structured in a traditional classroom, although some health subjects are often taught in physical education classes. Kids are encouraged to learn about nutrition, how germs spread, exercise and other aspects of wellness.

A good exercise in a health education class is to ask a child to develop a menu of healthy food or to write down what they eat and record what nutrients are contained in the food. The instructor might also encourage the students to right down calorie count, although many teachers may proceed only with caution, since anorexia and bulimia is an epidemic among school children. However, obesity is also a problem, so awareness of healthy calories may be necessary.

Children are also taught about things they can do to avoid getting sick, and the importance of hygiene. Many teachers show children through graphs, pictures and practical projects how easily germs are spread and the importance of washing hands to prevent illness. A health education course will also discuss the importance of vaccinations including flu shots. Health education may include field trips and other activities. Health education is also an opportunity to education children on the effects of drug abuse and to encourage them to say no to drugs and to resist peer pressure.

The lessons learned in health education classes can last children until adulthood and can help them develop good habits early, before peer pressure and negative habits start. Health education instructors also discuss the dangers of smoking and other destructive habits.