School Health Advisory Council
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A School Health Advisory Council is an advisory group composed of individuals selected primarily from the health and education segments of the community. The group acts collectively in providing advice to the school system on aspects of the school health programs. The members of the council are appointed by the school system to advise the school system.
Influencing students to lead healthy and productive lives is likely to be most effective when schools, the community, and parents work together. Each has unique resources, each can access students in ways the other can not, and each has different means of influencing the behaviors of young people. But the coordination of these efforts requires planning.
Local school health advisory councils are one means of planning consistent and focused action. Councils, comprised of representatives from the eight components of school health - health education, physical education, nutrition services, family and community, mental and social health, staff wellness, school environment as well as health services - can objectively assess the needs of young people and identify the required resources. Councils can also serve as a communication link among the three groups to help prevent misunderstanding and clarify roles and responsibilities. The health of young people is directly tied to academic achievement and their potential for school success and overall quality of life. The schools alone cannot solve or prevent health-related problems. However, the schools' ability to have a positive impact on students' health behavior and academic gains is enhanced with the help of community resources
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