As any parent knows, children love to watch and copy the behaviors of the adults around them. By learning to make healthier choices themselves, the employees at Canton Elementary School are also helping the students be fit, healthy, and ready to succeed.
Becoming positive role models for children is just one of many benefits from the health promotions programs at Canton Elementary. Worksite wellness programs – at schools and other settings – also improve morale and productivity, reduce absences and injuries, lower health insurance costs, and increase the ability to attract high quality employees.
“We know that programs to promote the health of our employees are one more way to promote the health of our students and encourage their academic success,” said Principal Dorothy Smith. “When our students see the adults at school eating more fruit, drinking more water, and walking before or after school, they are more likely to do the same. Children who are well nourished, well-hydrated, and physically fit, do better in school.”
“The health promotion programs at Canton Elementary School have made a big difference in how I feel at work,” said Natascha Beals, a third-grade teacher who lost the greatest amount of weight during the Mississippi in Motion health activity sponsored by Canton Elementary School in collaboration with the Mississippi State University County Extension Service this fall. “I have a more positive attitude and more energy. I am also more involved with healthy activities for children, such as encouraging students to choose fruits as snacks, and to eat the healthy veggies served in the cafeteria instead of leaving them to be discarded.”
Other healthy lifestyle programs planned for the school this year include calorie counting for
employees across the district, and BMI assessments. Additionally, health screenings by are provided by the school’s partner agency, G.A. Carmichael Family Health Clinic, and blood pressure checkups are offered by the ESPDT school nurse.
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