Presents suggestions on what school nurses can do to help overweight children and teens, focusing on: the increasing problem of childhood obesity, debate over the healthfulness of school lunches, the link between increased obesity and type 2 diabetes in children and teens, and creating partnerships to promote healthy lifestyles among children. (SM)

Describes research reports dealing with child nutrition and efforts to improve it through state and federal sponsorship of school breakfast and lunch programs for poor children, the reduction of fat and sugar in school lunches, and banning the sale of "junk food" at school. (PKP)

This article provides teachers with a brief background on the causes and incidence of childhood depression, identifies clues or symptoms, and suggests action that can be taken to get help for students. (IAH)

Presents suggestions by the National Swimming Pool Safety Committee on how to keep children safe while swimming. Ideas include maintaining strict adult supervision, pool and spa barriers, and knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (SM)

Discusses partnerships between school-based health centers and school nurses, clarifying the role of school nurses and school-based health centers in the areas of collaboration, communication, and cooperation and examining obstacles to partnerships. Elements for successful collaboration are reviewed (clarifying roles, sharing leadership and…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works to make communities aware of dangers posed by misused pesticides, which can be hazardous to the health of children and others. The EPA is involved in outreach to inform the public. People need information about safe and effective pest-control options. They should report suspected pesticide misuse to…

Provides an overview of the potential health benefits of strength training for children, discussing the role of strength training in preventing sports-related injuries and highlighting design considerations for such programs. The focus is on musculoskeletal adaptations to strength training that are observable in healthy children. Guidelines for…

Describes five common youth sport injuries: Little League elbow, swimmer's shoulder, shin splints, Osgood's Schlatters disease, and jumper's knee, also noting their corresponding causes, behavioral symptoms, treatment techniques, and prevention strategies. The information is intended to help teachers identify sports injuries more readily and…

This 1949 paper discusses the future role of the school physician, suggesting that it will be important to focus on prevention, to emphasize children's mental as well as physical health, and to have a holistic approach that includes an examination of teachers' and nurses' opinions and of the child's home and school environment. (SM)

This 1979 paper focuses on the education of school nurses, explaining that they are educational health professionals, and their preparation should be at a professional level. The paper recommends that school nurse educational requirements be at least equivalent to those of the teachers with whom they collaborate to promote student health. (SM)

This publication, which is based on the School Nutrition Dietary Assessment study, describes the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP), presents findings on the nutrients and foods provided in school meals, and describes the dietary intakes of the nation's students on a typical school day. Data were derived…

The Minnesota Department of Health developed this guidance at the request of the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning. The goal of the document is to assist school district staff of Minnesota public schools in responding to problems related to indoor mold. Its focus is on practical, cost-effective methods to identify indoor mold…

This report describes The Children's Partnership, which investigates what children need most from their communities and how to provide it. The report presents a snapshot of children in America in 1900 and 2000, noting policy milestones that changed America and its families and discussing progress which has benefited most American children but has…

Describes the pathophysiology of asthma and the types, risk factors, and current trends in management of the disease. The role of the school nurse in asthma management is outlined, including identifying children with asthma, evaluating the child's response to the asthma management plan, and controlling environmental factors that precipitate asthma…

Summarizes research on relationship between physical activity, good nutrition, and academic performance. Offers several recommendations for how schools can take action to improve the nutrition and fitness of students. (PKP)