Special to The Mississippi Link
Canton, Mississippi,
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 School. It has been well documented that 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,” says 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,” says Carrice Sims, a fourth grade math teacher at Canton Elementary School, who lost four pounds after participating in a four week long health promotion program, sponsored by Mississippi State University’s County Extension Office, “Mississippi in Motion.” According to Sims, since participating in the program she has a “more positive attitude and more energy.” “I am also more involved with healthy activities for children and our school staff, such as encouraging students and co-workers to participate in regularly scheduled walking activities sponsored by our school partner, Canton Parks and Recreation, or challenging students to eat more fruits and veggies, says Sims.” Other healthy lifestyle programs planned for the school this year include a community wide health fair, complete with presenters in health topics, and health screenings, blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring and weight and height measurements to determine Body Mass Index calculations.
Health fairs are sponsored periodically throughout the school year in collaboration with the district Office of State and Federal Program, the John D. Bower Grant, and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program. During these community-wide health promotion activities, the community at-large is encouraged to participate-at no charge in all activities.
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