The obvious answer is that a student can not reach their academic potential if their basic health needs — adequate sleep, proper nutrition, etc. — are not met. Additionally, our students must eventually go on to become healthy, independent adults — thus learning about health and healthy habits is such a valuable part of early education. Students who establish healthy habits in their youth are more likely to maintain these habits over their lifetime. Many adults understand how their physical health is related to the choices they make about nutrition, sleep and exercise. Adults must also know that their mental health — stress, anxiety, depression, etc. — is equally important and as treatable as their physical health. Schools should play an active role in improving our long-term quality of life by making physical and mental health a daily priority.
