Feature Story

H1N1 Virus: What You Need to Know

As the school year ended in June, we were inundated with news about the H1N1 virus. Glencoe’s Health and Fitness Update included a story on how to prevent the spread of the virus in schools. The start of the school year brings more news about renewed efforts to prevent the virus from spreading in the classroom this fall. H1N1, or swine flu, was first detected in the United States in April 2009. The virus spreads in much the same way as any seasonal influenza virus spreads.
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NBC Learn

The NBC News Archives on Demand Health and Wellness video collection provides 3–5 minute video clips that focus on positive lifestyle choices and the latest research in health science. Explore body systems, health and hygiene, exercise and fitness, food and nutrition, and advances in medicine, along with mental health resources addressing self-image, relationships, stress management, conflict resolution, and mental health disorders.
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Fitness Zone

Fitness Zone activities provide a good way to integrate fitness into your classroom. You can use them to give students a quick break between subjects, so they settle down to focus on new material more easily.

Exercise Tag

This activity will help students improve motor and fitness skills. You will need to provide three or four foam balls for the activity. Have students scatter around the classroom or gym and sit in their own personal space. Pass out the foam balls. On your signal, students should get up and perform a movement such as lunging, high knee walking, etc. Students holding the foam balls should try to tag (not throw) the other children with the ball. When a student is tagged, he or she will go to a designated area and do a specified exercise a specified number of times (e.g., 10 sit-ups, 15 toe-touches, etc.). When finished, the students return to the game. Repeat the game with different movements and exercises.

You can find more energy boosters like these in FitnessZone.

Professional Development

Flu Prevention Teaching Strategies

As the new school year gets underway, teachers are preparing for a new challenge. In addition to finalizing lesson plans and stocking up on school supplies, many teachers are preparing to manage and prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. Although the rate of virus activity has remained stable in recent weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that influenza-like illness is higher than normal for this time of year. As of August 20, 2009, the CDC reports that 7,983 people have been hospitalized, while 522 people in the U.S. have died from the H1N1 virus. As students return to the classroom this fall, it is important that educators are prepared to help their students understand how to avoid spreading the flu virus, along with other viruses.
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Teacher Tips—What Works!

Teacher tips are tried and true teaching strategies developed by health education teachers around the country. Take a look at some classroom activities that really work.
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