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![]() National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion ![]() ![]() |
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Schools can build a strong foundation that will enable them to effectively promote physical activity and healthy eating, as well as other health-enhancing behaviors. The first four strategies help schools develop a tailored approach that meets their specific, local needs and interests; earn the support and commitment of the school community; use the insights gained from scientific research; and emphasize teamwork and collaboration to maximize effectiveness and efficiency. 5. Implement a high-quality health promotion program for school staff.Staff wellness programs provide opportunities for school staff members to participate in health assessments, nutrition classes, physical activity programs, and other health promotion activities. These opportunities can contribute to improvements in physical and mental health outcomes; increases in morale, productivity, and positive role modeling; and decreases in absenteeism and health insurance costs.
6. Implement a high-quality course of study in health education.Health education provides formal opportunities for students to acquire knowledge and learn essential life skills that can foster physical activity and healthy eating. Taught by qualified teachers, quality health education includes instruction on essential topics that protect and promote physical, social, and emotional health and safety and provides students with ample opportunities to practice health-enhancing skills. State-of-the-art health education features a sequential curriculum consistent with state or national standards and adequate instructional time.7. Implement a high-quality course of study in physical education.Physical education is the cornerstone of a comprehensive approach to promoting physical activity through schools. All students, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, should participate in quality physical education classes every school day. Physical education not only provides opportunities for students to be active during the school day, but also helps them develop the knowledge, attitudes, skills, behaviors, and confidence needed to be physically active for life.
8. Increase opportunities for students to engage in physical activity.The school setting offers multiple opportunities for all students, not just those who are athletically inclined, to enjoy physical activity outside of physical education classes: walking to and from school, enjoying recess, physical activity clubs and intramural sports programs, and having classroom lessons that incorporate physical activities. These opportunities help students learn how to weave physical activity into their daily routines. ![]() CDC’s VERB™ Campaign Materials. This national, multicultural campaign encourages children ages 9–13 to increase their participation in physical activities. The VERB™ Campaign has a variety of colorful educational materials that schools can use to help promote physical activity among youth. 9. Implement a quality school meals program.Each school day, millions of students eat one or two meals that are provided as part of the federally funded school meals program. These meals have a substantial impact on the nutritional quality of students’ overall dietary intake and provide a valuable opportunity for students to learn about good nutrition. CDC supports the efforts of the USDA to ensure that meals served through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are safe, nutritious, and balanced.
10. Ensure that students have appealing, healthy choices in foods and beverages offered outside of the school meals program.![]() Making It Happen: School Nutrition Success Stories. This resource, developed by CDC and the USDA’s Team Nutrition with support from the U.S. Department of Education, describes six strategies that schools have implemented to improve the nutritional quality of foods and beverages offered on campus. It also tells the stories of 32 schools and school districts across the country that have successfully implemented these strategies.
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Page last reviewed: September 26, 2006
Division of Adolescent
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