In this course you will find a comprehensive overlook of healthy practices in public schools in the USA, including: physical activity and nutrition in the school setting. We will review the basics of some of the regulatory programs found in the United States that support healthy students through nutrition education and nutrition programs. You will be able to explain some of the nutritional components such as, alternatives to the use of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages. Many of these principles can be applied to students in schools throughout the globe.
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You will understand how the schools can support physical activity throughout the day and how they can effectively offer physical education. Learners will be able to explain MVPA, or moderate to vigorous physical activity. They will identify this as the newest method for measuring and evaluating what counts as physical activity in terms of METs. Participants in the course will be able to explain the science behind the recommended "60 minutes of Physical Activity" and what counts toward MVPA both during and outside of the school day.
Learners will be able to evaluate and explain how what students eat and how they exercise impacts student success. We will provide you with information to help you to promote the teamwork that it takes to implement successful nutritional and physical activity programs. Our discussion will include where to find and how to develop community support and encourage family participation.
Later in the course you will understand how attendance impacts student success. Together we will look at real-life examples of programs in a school setting and this will help you to recognize what impact you can have on improving the health and success of students in your own community.
Course 4 of 4 in the School Health for Children and Adolescents Specialization.
Syllabus
WEEK 1
School Nutrition
In the following module you will learn more about school nutrition. We’ll start by better understanding the differences between nutrition and nutrition services before we learn more about nutrition standards and the historical and scientific reasoning behind them. We’ll end the module with practical ways that you can promote a positive nutritional environment in your school.
WEEK 2
Physical Activity
In this module you will learn about physical activity in and out of school and about the physical, mental, and social benefits of physical activity. We’ll learn more about the differences in terminology and the science behind physical activity and how it relates to children’s overall health. As you’ll see in this module, physical activity is one of the greatest preventative measures regarding health problems later in life so, accordingly, we’ll learn more about how we can craft plans to encourage and support physical activity in and out of the classroom.
WEEK 3
Home, Community, and Attendance
In this module we will learn about what communities can do to help create healthy environments in schools. We’ll specifically look at how three components of the community (individuals, businesses, and families) can be utilized to support children’s health. We’ll also discuss important facts regarding school attendance.
WEEK 4
Healthy Eating and Active Living Programs in Action
In this module, we’ll learn more about programs that benefit children when class is not in session. We’ll learn more about the impact of health programs offered in partnership with local businesses and how they can benefit children’s health outside of the traditional classroom setting.
