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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 (DSHS). It is edited and compiled by the School Health Program.
Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Reports Due June 30th
The reporting period for vision, hearing, and spinal screening (VHSS) opened on January 15, 2025, and will close Monday, June 30, 2025. Results must be submitted to DSHS online through the Child Health Reporting System by June 30. If you have any questions, please email VHSSProgram@dshs.texas.gov or call the VHSS Customer Service Line at 1-800-252-8023 or 512-776-7420.
July is National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes July as National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month. While spending time outside is a great way to stay physically active, reduce stress, and get Vitamin D, it is important for families to protect their skin from exposure to UV light. Sun Safety Tips for home and at school can be found on the Sun Safety webpage.
Native Diabetes Wellness Program Eagle Books
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Native Diabetes Wellness Program offers free reading toolkits for students in kindergarten through 4th grade and those in 5th to 8th grade. The Eagle Books series includes stories that promote healthy living for young readers. These colorful stories feature Native American characters and encourage healthy eating, physical activity, and diabetes awareness. These books and other resources are free and available for download.
Myths About Mental Health and Quitting Nicotine
The Truth Initiative wrote an article on common myths about nicotine use and mental health. Young people today are dealing with a mental health crisis and an increase in e-cigarette use. This situation affects their mental health. The article debunks these myths and provides information and resources to help young people quit using nicotine. Read more by visiting the Truth Initiative website.
Leading Healthy Schools
Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) offers a free program called Leading Healthy Schools. The program is designed for superintendents, principals, assistant principals, and other school leaders who want to improve the health and well-being of their communities. This program helps school leaders learn how to create effective health programs and policies in their schools. Submit an application on the SHAPE America website by August 10, 2025. Share this opportunity with school administrators in your state and school districts!
New and Revised USDA Standardized Recipes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Institute of Child Nutrition Recipe Box houses many recipes designed to meet the needs of a variety of USDA Child Nutrition Programs. The recipes are simple and divided by seasons and encourage families to use seasonal vegetables in meals. Share with parents, school staff, and child nutrition programs operators.
Healthy Non-food Rewards
Rewards happen at many levels across a school. Teachers, administrators, and parent groups offer rewards to recognize and celebrate student accomplishments. Action for Healthy Kids developed a tip sheet that shares healthy non-food rewards for schools to use. Non-material rewards involving recognition, privileges, and opportunities for physical activity or other types of enrichment are powerful ways to help meet these goals.
School-Based Health Center Playbook on Health Care Transition
The School-Based Health Alliance and Got Transition, along with a group of school-based health center (SBHC) experts, created the SBHC Health Care Transition (HCT) Playbook. This Playbook helps SBHCs and school staff support students as they prepare to move from pediatric care to adult health care. For more information, please visit the SBHA webpage.
Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools Action Guide
The CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) offers a guide for schools called “Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools: An Action Guide for School and District Leaders". This guide helps support students' feelings and mental health. It includes ways to help students understand mental health, engage in activities that promote relaxation and calmness, build connections between students, families, and school staff, and ensure that staff also take care of their well-being.
Creating Lung Friendly Environments for Youth
The American Lung Association launched an initiative called Creating Lung-Friendly Environments for Youth. The initiative provides schools and parents with strategies that can be used to fight chronic lung diseases like asthma, improve air quality, and stop smoking. Aligned with the CDC’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model, a key focus of the initiative is the role of the community in supporting schools, the link between health and academic achievement, and the importance of effective school policies and practices based on evidence.
Eight Tips for Caregivers to Encourage Digital Well-Being
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation and YouTube Kids have teamed up to share tips for families on how to practice healthy online habits during the school year. Whether using free Wi-Fi at the library, the family laptop, or apps on smartphones, these tips will help children stay safe and secure online.
Screen Time Guidelines for Big Kids
Nemours Kids Health has guidelines for screen time for older children. These guidelines include recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and tips for managing screen time. Before planning summer activities, review these guidelines to help kids choose activities that involve less required screen time. This resource is also available in Spanish.
“Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do.” –Benjamin Spock
Become a Friday Beat subscriber by signing up on the Friday Beat webpage!
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.
Public Domain. Permission granted to forward or make copies as needed.
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