Health
needs of American children have changed dramatically in recent years.
Unprecedented and serious health risks have required a shift from the
predominant focus on illness and cure to an orientation toward wellness
and preventive care.
Children
must be healthy to be educated and must be educated to be healthy.
Schools serve as model health environments where staff, students, and
families experience and learn comprehensive health, wellness, and
fitness skills that have lifelong value.
The
School Health Program facilitates the healthy growth and development of
children of school age by preventing and detecting health problems and
maintaining and improving the health status of students. School health
services include medical and dental examinations and health screenings
at specified intervals; nursing services, including the treatment of
acute and chronic conditions, first aid, and emergency care; medication
administration; health counseling and health promotion; maintenance of
student health records; and assessment for school immunizations. (* Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of School Health)