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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.
CDC’s HeatRisk Dashboard
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the HeatRisk Dashboard to provide new heat risk guidance resources for the nation. It includes the HeatRisk Forecast Tool, details on local air quality, and ways to stay safe on hot days and days with poor air quality.
Five Essential Summer Health Tips
Healthier Texas shared Summer Health Tips for planning and enjoying outdoor activities. These tips help you stay healthy and safe whether you are going to the pool, hiking for the weekend, or spending time in the sun with family and friends this summer.
2025 Healthier Texas Summit
Healthier Texas and the University of Texas System are hosting the Healthier Texas Summit on October 2-3 in Austin, Texas. This summit will include informative sessions, discussions, and interactive workshops. Participants will learn about new trends in health promotion handling challenges in health care delivery, and gain useful insights and strategies for important health issues. To get the early bird discount, register before July 14 on the event webpage.
Summer Healthy Choices Grants
The Oliver Foundation offers several Healthy Choices Grants for schools ranging from $750 to $5,000. These grants encourage children, families, and communities in Texas to improve both eating and physical activity patterns. The grants have rolling deadlines up to July 15th.
Texas Say What! Science of Addiction Online Training
Texas Say What! launched a new online training module that explains how addiction develops and affects the teenage brain, and how nicotine can play a big role in the process of addiction. The training also discusses the health risks and social consequences associated with nicotine addiction. While this training is designed for teens in 6th-12th grade, adults are invited to complete the course as well. At the end of the training, each participant will complete a quiz and be able to print a certificate of completion.
One Pill Kills Campaign
Texas Health and Human Services Commission offers important information about fentanyl through the One Pill Kills Campaign. Schools and programs can use campaign tools to teach youth how to avoid fentanyl and drugs. Teachers, staff, and parents can find more information on the campaign webpage.
Ways to Be Active for 60 Minutes Each Day
Alliance for a Healthier Generation recommends families be active for 60 minutes every day. Family members of all ages can split their activity into shorter times throughout the day and still enjoy the benefits. You can find ideas for family activities for outdoors, indoors, or in any weather in the online activities handout.
Meals for Schools and Child Care
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Team offers resources for school nutrition programs. They provide updates to school nutrition standards, incentives for schools to serve healthy meals, and meal programs for areas in need.
Plant a Snack Garden This Summer
Kids Gardening has a full lesson plan for planting a snack garden available on their website highlighting veggies that are easy to eat as snacks. The lesson plan teaches how to fill a home garden with edible crops that can be harvested, washed, and enjoyed straight from the garden. Resources can be used at any grade level and include a materials list and description of activities.
Chronic Health Condition Management
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) provides important resources to support school nurses’ role in building school communities that support the health and learning of students with chronic health conditions. The webpage also includes additional resources from outside organizations.
Clean Air School Challenge: Initiative to Address Indoor Air Quality in Schools
The American Lung Association launched a new program to help K-12 schools improve their indoor air quality (IAQ). The Clean Air School Challenge (CASC) allows schools to check their IAQ and create Energy Efficient IAQ Management Plans. These plans help schools find and fix air quality issues, improve building performance, save money, and keep students, staff, and visitors healthy. Schools that join the Clean Air School Challenge receive support from peers, technical help, training, and chances to participate in learning groups and apply for mini grants.
Take Care of Texas Ambassador Program
Take Care of Texas is hosting the Take Care of Ambassadors Program to equip educators with the knowledge and resources to spread awareness about the Take Care of Texas program with colleagues and administrators. As ambassadors, participants will teach lessons from Take Care of Texas, share resources, and meet online during the school year. To find out more, visit the Take Care of Texas Ambassador webpage and apply by August 8.
Implementing School Employee Wellness in Districts / Schools Toolkit
The Society of Public Health Education (SOPHE) has resources to help school staff improve employee wellness and enhance student health and academic outcomes. You can download fact sheets on supporting school employees, engaging with partners, improving employee wellness, and creating a culture of wellness. Share this resource with school districts and staff members.
“Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
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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.
Public Domain. Permission granted to forward or make copies as needed.
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