Programs and Services for Secondary Schools

The Simcoe Muskoka DistrictHealth Unit is pleased to providethe following programs andservices in partnership withsecondary schools and schoolboards in Simcoe County and theDistrict of Muskoka. Physical Substance M Activity Use HHealthy HealthySchools Eating

2016 / 2017Health ConnectionHealth Connection is a free confidential health information and advice service forresidents and visitors to Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. Available byphone, email, Facebook and Twitter, Health Connection is staffed by public healthnurses and inspectors who can help you.Mental Personal HealthyHealth Safety GrowthTo get information and resources contactHealth Connection at 705-721-7520 or1-877-721-7520. CLICK TO TURN PAGE 

We work with you to increase school health using the Ministry ofEducation’s Foundations for a Healthy School as a guide.

Healthy SchoolsWe offer: ll Outreach visits to discuss health-related strengths, needs and priorities. ll Action planning to address identified health issues. ll Support to create healthy schools committees involv- ing staff, students, and parents. ll We can assist schools to address issues, connect with other health unit and community services, apply for healthy schools funding opportunities, and more.

We support schools with planning andimplementing activities.

Healthy EatingPrograms and Services include: ll Student Nutrition Programs: dietitians are available to consult with and support school staff and volunteers. ll BrightBites: we can assist you in implementing this fun school challenge to increase school nutrition. ll School Food and Beverage Policy: support with implementation. ll On-site Gardens: support with planning and implementation. ll Food Handler Training: we are available to consult with teach- ers, facilitate exams, and issue certificates to students. Oral Health ll Dental Screening: available through the Healthy Smiles Ontario program. ll Free Dental Care: contact us about the Healthy Smiles Ontario program that provides free preventative, routine and emergency dental services for children and youth 17 years and under.

We work with schoolcommunities to support initiatives that increaseopportunities for school- wide physical activity.

Physical ActivityPublic health nurses are available to:ll Provide student leadership opportunities to support creating a healthy and active school environment that includes structured and unstructured physical activity.ll Support funding applications including providing health evidence and best practice information.ll Help you to assess, plan and evaluate strategies re- lated to increasing physical activity.

Information, resourcesand supports are available related to topics such as tobacco, alcohol and substance misuse prevention.

Substance Use,Addictions and Related BehavioursPrograms and Services include:ll Truth & Consequences: public health nurses can support the hosting of a con- ference or teachers can access lesson plans online.ll Cycles: this video resource package encourages teens to talk openly and hon- estly about why some young people use cannabis (marijuana) and comes with facilitator’s guide.ll What’s With Weed: this peer-led student program uses a harm reduction approach to help youth recognize and reduce problematic marijuana use.ll Choose Your Ride Home: impaired driving prevention messages are conveyed through a simulated display featuring a crashed car, police car, ambulance, taxi, and hearse.ll 100% Smoke-Free School Ground Requirement: the Smoke-Free Ontario Act requires that school property is 100% smoke-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round. We can support these requirements by providing signage and offering information and resources that can be used to communicate with the school community. Tobacco Enforcement Officers inspect schools to check for compliance with the law.

We can work with schools to create a customized approach to promotepositive mental health for students.

Mental HealthPrograms and Services include:ll Can You Feel It? Stress Workshop: this program developed by youth for youth is available online and can helps students build the necessary life skills to manage and cope with the stress in their everyday lives.

We can help schools promote safety andprevent injury and illnessamong students, staff and the school community.

Personal Safety and Injury PreventionPrograms and Services include:ll We investigate reportable diseases and outbreaks of illness in schools, provide health education and follow up with staff, students and families who may be affected.ll Information is available on infection, prevention and control; student and staff exclusion periods; cleaning and disinfect- ing; personal protection and hand hygiene.

We partner with schools topromote healthy messagingrelated to parenting, humandevelopment, sexual health and immunization.

Healthy Growth and DevelopmentPrograms and Services include: ll Parenting Education: including Triple P – Positive Parent- ing Program for families with children between the ages of 0 and 16. ll Immunization Records: we are required by law to collect and assess immunization records of all students. ll Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs): we can provide support, information, and resources to schools with an existing GSA (gay-straight student alliance) or to schools interested in starting one. ll Sexual Health Curriculum: consultation and resources are available.

Health ConnectionHealth Connection is a free confidential health information and advice service forresidents and visitors to Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. Available byphone, email, Facebook and Twitter, Health Connection is staffed by public healthnurses and inspectors who can help you. To get information and resources contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.