COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL HEALTH

Abstract

THIS REPORT has been prepared primarily for the information and guidance of those physicians interested in matters of school health. Many physicians are perplexed by the subject of "school health." A better term, perhaps, is "health program for school age children." It emphasizes that "school health" is but part of an over-all planning for child health, which begins with birth (or prenatal life) and continues through the school years. The private physician surrenders none of his responsibility for the child's health when the child enters school. Instead, the school joins him and the parent as a third party interested in the child's health. The health of the child of school age is influenced by the teaching and environment of his school, by the program of public health in the community and by the direct services he receives. It is important that physicians, school personnel and public health authorities co-ordinate their activities by co-operative planning if the health program is to be successful. The private physician, who has been the medical adviser to the child during his preschool years, should play an important role in this co-operative activity of adjusting the child to the school environment. Not only should the child enter school in optimal health, but he should continue in optimal health throughout his school years. His good health is basically his parents' responsibility. The parents can be helped where and when necessary by a properly organized "health program for school age children." These programs vary greatly in how they are managed. The facilities and problems of a large city school system obviously will differ from those in a small community or rural area.