For Immediate Release:
September 1, 2015
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 Deputy Director 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:
Know about bullying. Bullying is a form of youth violence and can result in physical injury and social and emotional distress. In 2014, 20 percent of high school students reported being bullied on school property and 15 percent 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.
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.
Get enough sleep. Sleep is one of the most important factors that influence health. Students have a lot going on during the school year, from clubs to sports to music lessons or other extracurricular activities – and that’s not even factoring in nightly homework assignments. Children and teens should get at least nine hours of sleep each night. Inadequate rest can increase susceptibility to illness, as well as cause weight gain and lower concentration in class, among other health problems.
“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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