A Big-Picture Approach to Wellness: Afterschool Supporting Strong Bodies and Minds. Issue Brief No. 72
Author: Afterschool Alliance
Date: 2018-09-00
Type: Reports - Descriptive
Subjects: Wellness,After School Programs,Health Behavior,Child Health,Summer Programs,Eating Habits,Physical Activity Level,Child Welfare,Obesity,Adolescents,Child Abuse,Trauma,Substance Abuse,Mental Disorders,Mental Health,Physical Health,Child Safety,Mentors,Peer Relationship,Goal Orientation,Empowerment,Youth Programs,Social Development,Emotional Development

Taking a comprehensive approach to wellness--which includes healthy eating and physical activity and extends to additional aspects of health, such as social and emotional skills and competencies--can provide the necessary supports to help healthy children grow into healthy adults. Afterschool and summer learning programs are well-situated to be an integral component of initiatives that address the whole child. Children in quality programs have access to healthy snacks and meals, take part in physical activities, feel safe and supported by caring mentors, work collaboratively with peers, develop new skills, and gain confidence as they learn to set goals and make responsible decisions for themselves. Afterschool and summer learning programs are embracing broad definitions of health set forth by national health leaders like the World Health Organization and the Department of Health and Human Services and are part and parcel of the support system ensuring that children become healthy, happy, and capable adults. Data from the most recent National Survey of Children's Health reveal that children are struggling with physical, social, and emotional health issues. Although data over the past decade do indicate that the percentage of children ages 10-17 who were either overweight or obese has largely plateaued, close to 1 in 3 children still fall into this weight range, placing them at a higher likelihood for a number of health issues including asthma, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. The survey also found that 45 percent of children in the U.S. have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE). ACEs refer to a specific set of experiences, such as being a victim of physical or emotional abuse or living in a household with a person who has had problems with substance use (See footnote for full list), that have been linked to negative health outcomes and behaviors, including substance misuse and depression, with a higher number of ACEs placing children in a higher risk category. Afterschool and summer learning programs are a part of the systems and supports established to ensure that all children have a place where they feel safe, are surrounded by supportive mentors, have access to nutritious foods, are able to be active, can form relationships with their peers, learn how to set positive goals for themselves, and feel empowered to take charge of their lives. The adaptable nature of the afterschool field to adjust to the specific needs of the children and families they serve and the field's roots in positive youth development establish afterschool and summer learning programs as a strong partner in an inclusive approach to improve children's health. Increased support for programs presents a significant opportunity to broaden the circle of resources that can take a comprehensive approach to children's overall wellbeing.