Health & Wellness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and according to Mental Health America, nearly 10% of America’s youth have severe major depression. 1 in 3 children are going without treatment.

 

 

 

• Risk factors for addiction
• Coping with stress
• Make self-care a priority
• Master list: All the mental health resources you might need during COVID-19

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Every child has a right to feel safe. Maintaining a strong community built to support and nurture our children is important.

Below are some tip sheets for your information.

General Resources and Tips for Parents

 

Reference: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/

This National Nutrition Month (March) learn about how you can participate in helping families and students develop habits for good nutrition. We are all wonderfully unique and require our own approach to nutrition and health. Getting all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, your body needs not only can help you maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, and some cancers. Good nutrition can reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, boost your immune system and increase your energy level. Check out these tips to personalize your plate:

• Most popular nutrition questions answered
• Fun facts about fruits and vegetables
• 27 health and nutrition tips that are actually evidence-based
• Family-based treatment for eating disorders
• How to avoid portion size pitfalls to help manage your weight
• Good food, good mood

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

According to the CDC, heart disease, while largely preventable, is the leading cause of death in the United States - causing about 1 in 4 deaths. This American Heart Month (February) take some time to review tips to keep your heart strong and learn how you can help spread awareness by wearing red on National Wear Red Day (Friday, February 4th).  

 

• Key habits to protect your heart
• High blood pressure in kids and teens
• Seven key health measures may help predict future risk of heart disease
• Walnuts may help lower blood pressure for those at risk for heart disease
• Happy head, happy heart
  Spread love and kindness in all that you do

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Shoveling snow can stress your heart and strain your back and shoulders. Learn how to reduce your risk of getting seriously hurt.

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Summer (June 21) is almost here, and now is the perfect chance to prepare for spending additional time in the sun. The longer days and warmer weather open up the availability of many outdoor activities. Whether you are biking in the mountains, taking a trip to the beach, or staying cool with a healthy picnic in the shade, here are some resources to keep you safe and comfortable in the sun: 

• Common sense rules for summer fun
• Expert safety vacation tips
• Healthy dishes for your summer picnic
• Protect your peepers from the sun
• How to select safer sunglasses
• 6 ways to head off summer migraines
• Beat the heat this summer

Learn more: https://prowellness.childrens.pennstatehealth.org/tips-to-beat-the-heat-this-summer/

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

 

 

There has been periodic times of isolation and uncertainty, and it is normal to feel anxious and stressed. Know that you are not alone! While helping others is important, it is also crucial to take care of yourself. For Mental Health Awareness Month, take some time to discover strategies that can help you improve and support your mental well-being yearlong.

 

• Mental health awareness: Let's talk
• The magic of meditation
• Be here now, present and aware
• Exercise can help with anxiety / depression
• Stay focused by taking a mindfulness break

 

Learn more: https://prowellness.childrens.pennstatehealth.org/mental-health-awareness-lets-talk/

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Like many people you may be experiencing extra stress during this time. In recognition of April as Stress Awareness Month, consider adopting these healthful habits to reduce your stress! If you do try some of these stress reducing tips, don’t forget to reach out to your family and friends, one of the best forms of stress reduction is a listening ear!

 

• Mental and physical health are equally important
• 9 tips for relieving work stress
• Pet your stress away
• Provide validation to support stressed family and friends

Learn more: https://prowellness.childrens.pennstatehealth.org/using-mindfulness-to-relieve-work-stress/

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Too much time plugged in can be detrimental to one's health. Once a week, take a day to unplug with your family and recharge with Screen-Free Saturdays! Going outside can positively impact mental health and helps to strengthen immune systems. Take a day of virtual learning outdoors! Here are some resources for staying safe outdoors and activities suitable for any space.

• Screen-Free Saturdays
• The pitfalls of too much screen time
• What is the right age to give your child a smartphone?
• More play, less sitting helps children grown healthy
• Grandparents are softies on screen time
• Safe indoor and outdoor activities for families
• A guide to safe outdoor activities during the coronavirus pandemic
• Kids with social, emotional and physical disabilities go outside!
• 10 outdoor spring activities to do with kids with developmental disabilities
• Social media, screen time linked to depression in teens, study says

Learn more: https://prowellness.childrens.pennstatehealth.org/safe-indoor-and-outdoor-activities-for-families-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

It is time to break out the board games and get creative! This extra time at home may be challenging as we adjust to the new norm, but it presents a unique opportunity for exploration. Make the most of your time at home and check out these services that are being offered for free!

 

• Staying active, while staying home
• Make virtual at-home learning active
• Take care of yourself with these workplace wellness resources
• 250+ ways to keep your family sane

Learn more: https://prowellness.childrens.pennstatehealth.org/staying-healthy-and-active-with-virtual-and-at-home-learning/

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

 

America is celebrating national Farmers Market Week, and so can you! Buy local, stock up on fresh fruits, veggies and more this weekend. Find a local farmer's market, roadside stand, or farm stand near you! 

 

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Is technology taking over your life? Research shows that children, ages 8 to 18, spend more time with technology than any activity other than sleeping. Help your family achieve more balance by rediscovering the joys of life beyond smartphones and television screens. Skip the screen and unplug outdoors to celebrate Move It Outside Day (May 1) and Screen-Free Week (April 29-May 5). Consider taking small steps to increase physical activity levels to improve health and well-being all year round.

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Stress affects most Americans at one point or another. Much like having a house cluttered with items you don’t really need, it’s easy for emotions, like stress, to pile up. The mounds of stress can stand in your way of feeling calm, clear-headed and in control of your life. Address any stress or exhaustion you may be feeling. Find ways to streamline your thoughts and tame your emotions to help put your best self forward. Consider these strategies to help manage stress and learn how to incorporate practicing self-care. 

 

Reference: Penn State PRO Wellness <PROwellness@pennstatehealth.psu.edu>

Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) Resources

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Stop the Spread of GermsPDF Download FlyerPDF Download
• Coronavirus Fact SheetPDF Download
• What to Do if You Are Sick With CoronavirusPDF Download
• COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

General Preventative Measures

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick.
• Cough or sneeze into an elbow or use a tissue and place immediately in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

What we are doing at Parkland School District

• Disinfecting desks, door knobs, school bus seats, phones and all public areas each evening
• Increasing the availability of hand sanitizer (all high use areas already have wall-mounted stations)
• Posting flyers throughout public areas and restrooms about how to (Stop the Prevention of Germs)
• Rotating whole room disinfection machines through school nurse suites and athletic areas

Parkland Resources

• An Ounce of Prevention (English Version)
• An Ounce of Prevention (Chinese Version)
• An Ounce of Prevention (Spanish Version)
• An Ounce of Prevention (Urdu Version)

High blood pressure (also referred to as HBP, or hypertension) is when your blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high.

Facts about high blood pressure

 

Reference: American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure