School Handbook On Health Published

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31346, 17 April 1967, Page 7

School Handbook On Health Published

"The Press” Special Service

WELLINGTON, April 16.

A handbook on health education for teachers in primary schools was ready for publication, said the Minister of Education (Mr Kinsella) today.

The book would help teachers plan systematic health education programmes within the present syllabus. The Education Department had collaborated with the Health Department in its preparation.

Mr Kinsella said that the handbook would help teachers in guiding children toward healthy living. The World Health Organisation had defined health as a “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The emphasis in the new handbook was on preventing ill-health. Subjects dealt with included growth and development, bodily functions, health and safety hazards, family and social living, and public health services. Children could be taught to avoid disease and infection, and such matters as personal hygiene, sound nutrition and good emotional adjustment are dealt with.

Other topics included “What are the causes of deafness?”, “How does our sense of smell warn us of danger?”, “How can the eyes be pro-

tected from injury?”, “What are the proper conditions for viewing television or reading?”, “What does it mean to be colour-blind?” and “W.H.O. and its fight against blindness.” Mr Kinsella said the book emphasised to the teacher that a school health programme should take into account the needs and characteristics of the children and local conditions and health resources. It suggested children be given oral or written questions on health to assess their progress. There were many suggestions for health programmes. “The handbook has been prepared in response to the requests of teachers, and teachers have helped in its preparation,” said Mr Kinsella.