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National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
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School systems employ more than 4% of the U.S. workforce, totaling more
than
6.7 million people. Although addressing the well-being of schoolchildren is
a major concern among health and education agencies, the nation historically
underemphasizes efforts to maintain and improve the health of those caring
for schoolchildren. Many private companies have instituted worksite health
promotion programs to improve the health and productivity of their workers
and reduce healthcare costs. Few school systems across the country, however,
have established employee wellness programs.
In May 2007, the Directors of Health Promotion and Education (DHPE), with
support from CDC, released School Employee Wellness: A Guide for Protecting
the Assets of Our Nation’s Schools. This publication is the first
comprehensive guide to provide information, practical tools, and resources
for school employee wellness programs. It is designed to help schools,
school districts, and states develop and support implementation of programs
that promote employee health, improve workforce productivity, and reduce the
costs of employee absenteeism and healthcare. DHPE, an organization
representing 66 directors of U.S. state and territorial health departments
and Indian Health Service health education units, conducts programs and
promotes policy development in numerous public health areas.
The School Employee Wellness Guide, developed in collaboration with many national health and education groups, is a significant new resource for addressing the health of school employees. Opportunities for school staff to improve their health status through health education, good nutrition, and physical fitness activities can encourage staff commitment to a healthy lifestyle and foster support for the school’s overall coordinated health program. As staff improve their own physical activity and dietary behaviors, they also serve as positive role models for students.
DHPE’s School Employee Wellness Guide is an important tool for the
educational environment. The guide is being disseminated through a Web site
(www.schoolempwell.org) and promoted through national organizations,
presentations, and meetings. In addition to providing downloadable copies of
the guide, the Web site features fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations, and
other resources. In the first 3 months following the guide’s release, more
than 2,000 Web site visitors registered to access the materials.
NOTE: Success stories, including background data and
outcomes, reflect information as reported by participating programs. Also,
in this context, impact refers to short-term or intermediate outcomes.
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Links to non-Federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. Links do not constitute an endorsement of any organization by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at this link. |
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Contact Us Page last reviewed:
April 23, 2008
Division of Adolescent
and School Health
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