Partners in Wellness

School Based Health Education Program

The Licking County Health Department offers a free, comprehensive, year long wellness program to approximately 1000 third grade  students in 35 classrooms in 7 school districts.  The program covers all aspects of wellness including physical, social, and emotional health. Half hour classroom presentations are delivered once every 2 weeks.

Students learn through interactive activities, videos, experiments, and role playing. Some teachers incorporate homework assignments related to the topic.When funds are available students receive incentives to remind them of the lessons learned and to prompt them to share the lesson with their parents.

This program is funded in part through grants, including; The Licking County Foundation, Intentional Injury Prevention (ODH), Safe Communities (ODPS), Child and Family Health Services Grant (ODH), and WIC.

Pedometers were purchased through an American Cancer Society Community Investment Grant in 2004. These pedometers (step counters) were distributed to students in the 2004-05, and 2005-06 school years.

The majority of the program costs are borne by the LCHD's general fund. Additional grants, sponsors, or other funds are needed to assure that this program continues.  Additional schools have expressed interest in participating in the program but funds have not been available to allow expansion.

The curriculum includes:

Introduction to Wellness - Students are introduced to the concept of wellness and how it includes their physical, emotional, and social health.

	Communicable Disease Control -  Proper Hand washing, Bacteria and Viruses, Preventing the spread of germs. (Experiments are included in this lesson - 2 days)
	Heart Health - The role the heart plays in the body and how to keep your heart healthy. (Video utilized)
	Proper Nutrition - The food guide pyramid and how to eat to grow healthy and strong. (Registered dieticians from WIC facilitate this lesson)
	Exercise - The benefits of exercise for overall wellness.  What amount of exercise is appropriate for good health. (Free pedometers are given to each student)
	Tobacco Use/Smoking Prevention - Tobacco and how it affects the body and the concept of addiction.
	Dental Health - Your teeth, the function of each tooth, and proper tooth care. (Puppet used to demonstrate proper brushing techniques. Students receive a free packet with toothbrush, toothpaste, cover, timer, floss, and tablets.)
	Stress Management - Good and bad stress, and how stress can affect their health. Positive ways to cope with stress.
	Bullying Prevention - Students learn about bullies, victims, and bystanders. Ways to handle bullying situations in a positive, respectful manner. (Role playing)
	Friendship - The importance of having friends and how healthy relationships can positively influence overall wellness. Students share qualities thy would like to see in a friend.

School districts participating:

	Granville (GIS)
	Heath (Stevenson)
	Johnstown-Monroe (Oregon)
	Lakewood (Hebron)
	Licking Heights (Summit Elementary)
	Licking Valley (Toboso, Madison, MaryAnn, Perry)
	North Fork (Utica)

Anyone interested in supporting this program is encouraged to contact Joe Ebel, Health Commissioner, at (740) 349-6535.