Parents Invited To See Health Promotion In Action
Parents with children at South School Wick were invited to an open afternoon on Thursday 24th April to see for themselves the activities designed to keep their youngsters healthy.
North Highland Community Health Partnership Oral Health Improvement Co-ordinator Jennie Rawlins worked with the Head Teacher Pat Bowers and Health Promoting Schools Officer Fiona Macleod and other NHS and community groups to show off the work being done to encourage tooth-brushing, healthy eating and promoting positive choices.
Jennie said: “At South School we have daily tooth brushing sessions for pupils in primaries one to three but we want to work with parents to ensure children are taught to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day at home – making sure teeth are brushed at bedtime and in the morning before school. A healthy diet is key to healthy teeth so we were really grateful that the Wick Somerfield store donated a selection of fruit and vegetables for the children to taste.”
Parents had their own opportunities to take a taste test with samples of healthy school meals like salmon nibbles and tasty salads provided by the school kitchen.
The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee Chairman and local councillor Bill Fernie visited the school. He said: “We are trying to make sure children in Highland region have the best chance of having a full and healthy life. By focusing all of the partners, in both education and the health services, and encouraging parents and guardians, we will improve the quality of life for our whole population.”
To reinforce the healthy living message Health Promoting Schools Officer Fiona Macleod was on hand to provide information on Health Promoting Schools such as the HPS guidance and how parents can help with HPS. Fiona and Dave Rex, child lead dietician, are planning to visit schools in Caithness and Sutherland to instruct on 'Rising Stars'.
This is a project to encourage healthy packed lunches in Highland schools. It assists children and families to score how balanced their childs packed lunch is, by giving it a star rating. It can be used to score school dinners and other meals also. Rising star leaflets are to be piloted in Caithness and Sutherland and will be distributed to each family following a visit to each school.
Top Tips for Healthy Teeth
• Brush teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – it’s best that one time is at bedtime. Spit out excess toothpaste and don’t rinse your mouth with water.
• Children up to the age of 7 need help with brushing.
• Toothpaste should have at least 1000 parts per million of fluoride – check the packaging for 1000ppmF or higher.
• Limit intake of sugary snacks and drinks. Fruit and vegetables are a great tooth friendly snack and help your child to their 5 a day.
• See your dentist regularly. If you don’t have a dentist children can be registered by calling the Dental Helpline on 0845 644 2271.