Lakelands Public Health is dedicated to fostering a healthy and safe environment for all students. Our comprehensive approach covers various aspects of well-being, to ensure that each student has the chance to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. We promote the use of evidence-based education and practical initiatives, to create supportive school environments. This empowers students to make informed choices that improve their own lives and the communities they are part of.
Nurturing Well-being Through Health and Safety
Lakelands Public Health supports school communities to provide students with the important knowledge and tools they need to make healthy choices. Below is a general summary of key information on a variety of health topics that affect children and youth in school.
For additional support, school administration/staff/educators can access the School and Teacher Resources webpage.
Preventing the Spread of Illness
To prevent the spread of illness, it is important to:
For more information, see:
Need Help Now?
Mental health is important for overall health. It involves how we think, feel, act, and interact with the world around us. Everyone feels stress, no matter their age. Coping stills help us manage stress and protect our mental health. Using these skills builds resilience, which makes it easier to handle everyday challenges and tough situations.
If you or your child are experiencing mental health concerns, you are not alone!
It is important to get help early and speak to someone about mental health concerns when they happen. Speak to your primary care provider.
Here are some other support options and information that may help:
For more information about what's available in your local area and provincially, visit our general Mental Health Supports webpage.
Balancing the benefits and risks of young people using screens and digital technology is a common concern. There are resources to support you:
Substance Use and Harm Reduction: Making Informed Choices
Lakelands Public Health aims to prevent substance use and its potential harms. We promote evidence-based education about the dangers of risky substance use, focusing on building positive coping skills that equip students with tools to resist peer pressure. We emphasize harm reduction strategies, ensuring that students have access to resources and support if they choose to seek help.
Navigating substance use with your kids and teens can be challenging, but you can make a difference. The best strategies often have nothing to do with drugs themselves, but instead focus on:
You don't have to be an expert. Start early and create a safe space for ongoing communication. Check our these resources to help guide you:
Healthy Relationships and Bullying: Creating a Safe Space
Every student deserves to feel safe and respected. If your child is being bullied:
If your child is bullying others:
Resources:
Childhood Development: Nurturing Minds and Futures
Understanding childhood development is key to providing effective support for students. Lakelands Public Health emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate learning, cognitive growth, and emotional development. This helps students to gain the skills and knowledge they need to do well in school and in life.
For more information on Childhood Development visit our website information on:
Physical Health: Strong Bodies, Strong Minds
A strong body is the foundation of a strong mind. Lakelands Public Health encourages that positive physical health be emphasized through engaging physical education classes, nutritious meals, and regular exercise. We encourage students to participate in a range of physical activities that cater to different interests and abilities, helping them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
For more information on physical health, visit:
Head Lice: What You Need to Know!
Head lice can be stressful, but support and guidance are available. The following resource provides clear information on treatment, removing lice and nits, and tips for keeping your household and school environment safe.
Healthy Sexuality: Empowering Informed Choices
Lakelands Public Health promotes healthy sexuality education that is inclusive, respectful, and non-judgmental covering topics such as consent, relationships, reproductive health, and sexual identity. It is important to foster open discussions and provide accurate information to empower students to make responsible and informed choices about their sexual health.
For more information on Healthy Sexuality visit:
Sun Safety and Tanning: Protecting Skin Health
Lakelands Public Health promotes the importance of sun safety and the risks associated with excessive tanning. We promote the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and other measures to prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Tanning Beds
The Ontario Skin Cancer Prevention Act bans the use of tanning beds by youth under age 18. The law also protects youth from the proven dangers linked with exposure to UVR. All tanning bed operators must follow this law and are regularly inspected if they offer ultraviolet tanning treatments.
Sunless Tanning Products are a safe alternative to a tan. Sunless tanning products do not protect your skin from sun damage. Remember to wear sunscreen (SPF 30+)!
Resources
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