People who attain higher levels of education tend to enjoy healthier lives. Their chances for fulfilling and lasting employment, and the subsequent levels of social and economic status that accrue, result in a greater sense of satisfaction with and control over life events. Having and experiencing a sense of determination over what happens in one s life translates into fewer health problems. The study of health issues and topics that are of public concern can be an important opportunity for students to bring to bear alternative ways of knowing and responding to health concerns. Health for education is critical.
Healthy children learn better.
Children who are sick, afraid, or lonely cannot learn well. Teachers and students who feel alienated, devalued, and underemployed yield results well below their potential. Health promotion encourages leadership, fosters a deeper sense of connection, commitment, and contribution to school life, and nurtures stronger relationships with the people who comprise school communities. As a result, those who live and work in healthy school environments enjoy being there, feel a deeper sense of commitment to what they are doing, become more involved in school life and the learning process, and expect more of themselves as citizens in and beyond school life. We think of health promotion in schools as being embedded in all aspects of school life.