May 16, 2010

Health & Safety Briefs: Anti-bullying tools

Source:  New York Teacher

Anti-bullying tools

A colorful new book for youngsters provides tips for protection from verbal bullying.
In 15 Ways to Zap a Bully, author Jackie Humans takes students through methods of dealing with bullies, coping with feelings and other mental skills.

The book is illustrated by her daughter, who has Asperger Syndrome and has first-hand experience with bullies.

For more information, go to www.jackiehumans.com.

Stroke awareness

Since May is National Stroke Awareness Month, the National Stroke Association is seeking to raise public awareness about the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in America.

Visit www.stroke.org for information on how to: prevent strokes through risk factor management, act fast to increase recognition of and response to stroke symptoms, and spread hope about recovery from a stroke.

Mental health alerts

Some common mental health problems in children are depression, anxiety, behavior disorders or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Without help, mental health problems can lead to school failure, alcohol or other drug abuse, family discord, violence or even suicide.

For more information visit the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childmentalhealth.html.

Health, safety help

Information on staff health and safety, physical and mental health, school environment and transportation, school nutrition and social environment are among the many issues explored at www.nationalguidelines.org.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses were the lead organizations among more than 300 health, education, and safety professionals developing the information.