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Friday Beat

March 31, 2023, Edition

The newsletter that takes a Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child approach. The Friday Beat is a free publication of the Texas Department of State Health Services. It is edited and compiled by the School Health Program.

Announcements
Members Sought for Stock Epinephrine Advisory Committee
The Stock Epinephrine Advisory Committee (SEAC) advises the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) commissioner on the storage and maintenance of epinephrine auto-injectors. DSHS is accepting applications for committee membership in two categories:

• an employee from a public junior college or public technical institute,
• a physician with expertise in treating anaphylaxis and specialization in emergency medical services, pediatrics, allergies, asthma, or immunology.

Interested applicants should visit the SEAC webpage to complete the application online. Word document versions of the application are available upon request. We must receive your application before 11:59 p.m., April 14, 2023. For more information contact the School Health Program at SchoolHealth@dshs.texas.gov or 512-776-7279.

National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day
April 10th is recognized as National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD). NYHAAD is observed in order to educate the public about the impact of HIV on young people. As part of the Healthy Youth campaign, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released sample social media posts, fact sheets, and HIV data schools can utilize to “play a critical role in promoting the health and safety of youth”.

Professional Development
World Obesity Day Summit Releases Online
A recording of the Live Smart Texas’ World Obesity Day Summit is available online. Live Smart Texas hosts the summit each year to discuss the impact of obesity and addressing root causes together in partnership with other organizations. The summit provided updates from Health Service Regions 1, 7, 8, 9/10 and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The recording and presentation slides from the summit are available on the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living website.

Health Education
Tobacco Cessation Resources for Youth
The American College of Preventive Medicine has multiple resources dedicated to tobacco cessation for youth. The site includes a list of tools and resources for those seeking to help youth quit tobacco use. Resources are separated for clinical and non-clinical professionals.

Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition
The National Institutes of Health’s Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition (We Can!) is a resource schools can use to engage their communities with a way to help children maintain a healthy weight. With a focus on eating right, getting active, and reducing screentime, parents, educators, and entire communities can make a difference. Access the We Can! resources to learn more about this educational program.

Physical Education and Physical Activity
National Physical Education Standards Task Force Revision
The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) began revising their national physical education standards at the beginning of 2021 through a task force. SHAPE’s task force is gathering perspectives from physical education faculty and staff. Opportunities for public review and comment to the revision of physical education standards. The survey closes April 3, 2023.

Nutrition Environment and Services
Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service has released The Food Buying Guide as a resource for all child nutrition programs. The guide focuses on purchasing the correct amounts of foods for child nutrition programs and determining each food item’s contribution toward required meal patterns. To view the guide, visit the USDA’s Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs.

Health Services
Newly Released Childhood Vision Screening Expert Panel Report
The Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Program at the Texas Department of State Health Services has released the 2022 Childhood Vision Screening Expert Panel Report. The 2022 Childhood Vision Screening Expert Panel Recommendations were previously released for public comment from January 3, 2023 – January 10, 2023. The report is available 2022 Childhood Vision Screening Expert Panel Report. If you have any questions, please email the program at VHSSprogram@dshs.texas.gov.

Counseling, Psychological and Social Services
Myths about Mental Health
Mental Health Texas addresses myths about mental health. Understanding the difference between a myth and a fact can make a real difference in the stigmas associated with mental health. Mental Health Texas has also partnered with Texas Health and Human Services Commission to provide educational webinars. These webinars address behavioral health, depression, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, serious emotional disturbances in children and more.

Employee Wellness
School Nurses Mental Health Study
Findings from a CDC study indicate COVID-19 related duties as well as other work stressors negatively impact the mental health of school nurses. Leaders in school districts can take action to support school nurses by creating and supporting policies and practices which increase support and reduce workplace stressors. To view the full article, visit the article and the CDC’s School Employee Wellness webpage.

Community Involvement
How to Design Community Meetings
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s series, on Family Networking Opportunities, provides the tools to learn how to design a community meeting within your school. There are five tips to designing community meetings schools can follow to improve family engagement within their districts. 

Quote to Note

“If you really want to do something you’ll find a way, if you don’t, you’ll find an excuse” – Jim Rohn
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The articles and hyperlinks to external websites appearing in Friday Beat are intended to be informational and do not represent an endorsement by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Other websites may not be accessible to people with disabilities or server restrictions. External email addresses may also be provided as a courtesy. If you choose to correspond, please be advised that DSHS policies may not apply. For information about any of the programs listed, contact the sponsoring organization directly. For comments or questions about Friday Beat, email the School Health Program at schoolhealth@dshs.texas.gov or call (512) 776-7279.

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