It’s WATCH week in FBISD schools! As a special treat, I am bringing you a five part series this week on how to make sure your health and wellness programs are right for your school! Each day we will briefly explore a different question you should consider when creating your wellness plan. As you finish this year and look ahead to the next- consider how to maximize the return on your investment of time and resoureces. Enjoy the week and don’t forget to share your successes with us at @wellgeeks!
Question 2: Make a big impact using your personalized data!
Does your wellness team take time to review data about your school? There is a wide range of data out there from local to national reports like fitnessgram, obesity rates, annual surveys like the Youth Behavioral Risk Studies (YRBS) and Pride Surveys. For more ideas, check out the Texas School Health Advisory website. Whenever possible, review data specific to your area and make sure to consider how your programs will impact them. You may need to engage with parents and students further to identify specific issues. Contact Wellness Geeks Consulting for wellness team training opportunities.
A. Will the activity bring awareness to a known issue affecting a significant percentage of students and their wellness at your campus?
Your school has had a rash of vaping incidents? Does your recent campus PRIDE survey show an increase in prescription drug misuse? Does your local public health department note an increase in mosquito borne diseases this month? Use your personalized health information from a variety of sources to make sure you are addressing items that can provide you with the a good return on your investment. Too much data? Wellness Geeks is happy to help you sort through the data and come up with a personalized plan!
B. Does the program or activity address an unknown but potential issue for your school or something that would prevent student harm?
Use breaking news to help you reach your goals! As issues arise in the news, you may get greater engagement. Consider the measles outbreak in Harris County happening in February . You will have a greater turnout at an immunization event in February rather than later in the year. Use the increased media attention to help you engage your target audience and meet your goals.
Injury prevention is a major reason for injury and death in youth. Whether it is poisoning, accidents, driving, substance misuse, or violence, it is important to consider whether adding this type of wellness activity to your plan seems reasonable. An example might be Stop the Bleed, which shows staff (and older students) how to stop bleeding until medical help arrives. CPR training and refreshers are always good to know as well. Other great topics include sports injuries, concussion , text and driving and safe routes to school.
Wellness Geeks Consultants 