Fall for the Virtual School Nurse Newsletter!
This edition of the Virtual School Nurse Newsletter is full of helpful information on current and upcoming trends. Learn about:
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We’re trying to grow! Please share this newsletter, discuss with your colleagues and ask them to sign-up for the newsletter by sharing this link bit.ly/schoolhealthnews
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The legalization of cannabis
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As of October 17, 2018, cannabis is legal. However, it is still illegal for anyone under 19 to buy, use, possess or grow recreational cannabis.
One in five Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 said they have used cannabis at least once in 2017. Being open and talking often will help your students make informed decisions. It’s important that students are provided with information about the health effects and ways to lower health and other risks of using cannabis. Learn more about cannabis and health effects.
Resources
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Lead in drinking water in schools
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Ontario schools are required to test their drinking water for lead to ensure levels are below the standard of 10 micrograms of lead per litre of water. This standard was set to protect the entire population, including children.
Lead levels slightly higher than this are unlikely to cause health effects, however concentrations should be reduced to fall beneath the threshold as soon as possible. Schools and daycares are required to notify the Ministry of Environment and Region of Waterloo Public Health of any tests which exceed the limit and take corrective actions to meet this standard.
Learn more in our Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Day Nurseries (PDF).
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Physical activity and the brain
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Each year, ParticipACTION, releases a report card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. The 2018 report shows how physical activity improves cognition, brain function and mental health.
This report card looks at data and research from various sources to assign grades on 14 indicators of health. The results show that Canadian kids aren’t active enough, with a score of “D+” assigned to Overall Physical Activity and only 35 per cent of 5 to 17 year olds reaching their recommended physical activity levels.
They also developed an accompanying video to discuss the brain and body relationship.
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New resources in the Public Health Resource Centre
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Vaping Information Kit - coming soon!
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The Resource Centre will soon have a Vaping Information Kit available for grade 7 to 12 educators.
Vaping Information Kit includes:
- How Safe are E-cigarettes Video
- What’s In E-juice Activity
- E-cigarette Jeopardy Game
- Fact or Fiction Game
To be put on the waiting list for this kit, contact us through the information provided below.
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Older Adult Sensory Kit - new
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The Older Adult Sensory Kit simulates several common physical conditions that can develop as we age. Complete with activity plans, the kit can be applied in high school curriculum around science, health and social studies. It is also a great addition to classroom activities that assist students to explore physical age-related changes to the body.
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You can request teaching resources online, by emailing the Resource Centre or calling 519-575-4400 ext. 2256. Want more resources? Visit the Public Health Resource Centre website.
Through your school board's courier, you can borrow and return resources with activities, games, models, DVDs, posters, and more.
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Mark Your Calendar!
Conferences
Grants
Note: Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services does not endorse any specific listed funders.
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