For Immediate Release:
August 28, 2014
Start the school year safe and healthy
County officials offer tips on health, vaccines and bullying
FREEHOLD, NJ – Once again the summer has passed by too quickly. Students and families are gearing up for another school year and the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders want to make sure that this year is safer and healthier than ever.
“As students go back to school, it is important that they eat healthy and stay active and are up-to-date on their immunizations,” said Freeholder Serena DiMaso, liaison to the Superintendent of Schools. “It is also important to know the signs of bullying for a safer school year.”
Here are some tips for students and families as they prepare for the school year:
Eat healthy and stay active. Children spend the vast majority of their day at school, so it’s a place that can have a big impact in all aspects of their lives. Schools can help students learn about the importance of eating healthier and being more physically active, which can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases. Make sure that healthy snacks and lunches are part of every day.
Get vaccinated. Getting your children and teens ready to go back to school is the perfect time to make sure they are up-to-date with their immunizations. Vaccination protects students from diseases and keeps them healthy. Be sure to ask your health care provider about flu shots, too.
Heads Up: Concussions. Each year, U.S. emergency departments treat an estimated 173,285 sports-and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, including concussions, among children and teens, from birth to 19 years. If your child sustains a head injury on the playground, in gym class, or playing a contact sport, seek medical attention immediately.
Know about bullying. Bullying is a form of youth violence and can result in physical injury and social and emotional distress. In 2011, 20% of high school students reported being bullied on school property and 16% reported being bullied electronically through technology, sometimes called electronic aggression or cyberbullying. Talk to your children about the proper use of cell phones, e-mail, online chats, instant messaging, social media, text messaging, videos and pictures.
“I encourage not only students, but families to eat well and stay active this school year,” said Freeholder John P. Curley, liaison to the County Health Department. “The health of our children, both mentally and physically, is important for their success and overall well-being.”
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