Good health is essential for learning.
Health is not only the absence of disease but also complete physical, mental, and social well-being. When school age children are not in good health, they become distracted, unable to concentrate in school, keep up with their demanding schedules, and sometimes even unable to attend school. Years ago the biggest threats to the health of school children came from contagious diseases such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella. Today most health risks have their roots in social or behavioral conditions. The CDC has identified six preventable behaviors that account for most of the serious illnesses and premature deaths in the United States.