Friday Beat

March 8, 2024, 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

Apply to be a Texas School Health Advisory Committee Member
Are you interested in working on matters related to school health? If so, you might be interested in joining the Texas School Health Advisory Committee (TSHAC). The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is currently accepting applications for membership on the committee for parents, health educators, medical professionals, and organization or agency representatives involved with the health of school children. Please visit the DSHS website for more information and to access the application. All applications are due March 15, 2023.

Updated TSHAC Resources
The TSHAC has updated both the Health Education for All Texas Students K-12 Grade and the Opioid and Substance Use Prevention Resource for Texas Schools documents, which are now posted online. Visit the Research and Recommendations developed by TSHAC and Resources created by TSHAC webpages to view these documents, alongside all other resources developed and updated by TSHAC.

Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest
The National Eye Institute is hosting the Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest where teens in high school can submit a video on their own or in a group of up to three. Videos must fit into one of the three categories listed on the contest website for a chance to win. The last day to submit a video is April 14, 2024. Visit the Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest website for more information.

Professional Development

National Association of School Nurses (NASN) In-Person Conference
NASN is hosting their 56^th Annual School Nurse Conference in-person from June 28-July 1, 2024 in Chicago, IL. Learn and collaborate with experts in the field as school nurses and other school health team members from all over the world come together for this event. Attendees will experience informative presentations, expert speakers, and engaging activities, with wellness events ranging from morning workouts to mindfulness sessions designed to rejuvenate and inspire. Registration information can be found on the conference webpage.

Health Education

Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. The Brain Injury Association of America and the Texas Health and Human Service Commission have posted facts about brain injury and ways to get involved or seek services. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s resource, HEADS UP to Schools to complete online concussion training for school professionals.

Know the Risks: E-Cigarettes and Young People
The U.S. Surgeon General released an Advisory on E-cigarette Use Among Youth. Know the Risks: E-Cigarettes & Young People website helps address how harmful e-cigarettes can be to the health of youth and young adults. Web information includes e-cigarette trends among youth, the risks of e-cigarette use, and other resources.

Nutrition Environment and Services

National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month. Healthy eating starts with healthy food choices. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has themed this year’s National Nutrition Month as “Beyond the Table” which addresses the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition, from food production and distribution to navigating grocery stores and farmers markets. Visit the annual campaign website for nutrition education resources for parents and families and learn more about how nutrition affects heart health. Additionally, get tips for food choices around salt, fruits and vegetables, and sugar.

Health Services

Five Things to Know About Whooping Cough
The American Lung Association published five things to know about pertussis (whooping cough). The webpage includes information on who is most affected, statistics, symptoms, vaccines, and prevention strategies. Share how to stop the spread of whooping cough with teachers, parents, school staff, and community members.

Counseling, Psychological and Social Services

Suicide Care Texas Toolkit
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health have updated their mental health toolkit. The updates include increased guidance on best practices, practical guidance on implementing the elements of Zero Suicide, and examples from organizations on their implementation plans utilizing this framework. To view the full update, visit the Suicide Care in Texas Toolkit. To view additional resources, visit the resources webpage and scroll to the bottom for downloadable documents.

Mental and Behavioral Health Webinar Series
The Texas Education Agency’s Texas School Mental Health Program and Project AWARE Texas partners will be hosting a series of monthly webinars to highlight resources and best practice strategies on timely and relevant safe and supportive schools topics. CPE credits are available to those who attend the full live session. The March 14^th webinar will discuss the use of Tier 1 approaches for enhancing school mental health. Register for the March 14^th webinar.

Employee Wellness

Beyond Burnout: Exploring the Cost of Caring Lunch and Learn
Texas School Safety Center is hosting their Lunch and Learn event, Beyond Burnout: Exploring the Cost of Caring on April 12, 2024, from 11:30 am-1:00 pm. Participants will be given tools to reduce the risk for compassion fatigue, stress, trauma, and burnout. The presentation will revise self-care and offer a live Q&A session. Register for this virtual training.

Family Engagement

Tips for Taking Screen Breaks
Alliance for a Healthier Generation published 10 Tips for Taking Screen Breaks for parents and caregivers. Although computers, televisions, and phones can provide us with unique benefits, it is important to regularly take breaks from screens. This resource shares ways to balance screen time, physical activity, and family connection. It’s accessible in the Alliance’s free Action Center, where all Healthier Generation resources are housed. A free login is required.

Community Involvement

Community Kit and Resources
The Texas School Safety Center Community Prevention Program released a new spring community kit. The kit includes links to online training and resources, which can be used to assist schools and community-based organizations in their efforts to educate youth and young adults about the dangers of all commercialized tobacco products. Access these free materials and share them with community members.

Quote to Note

“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” –William Morris

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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. 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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