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Health care of elementary school children

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The goal of health care for elementary school children is to promote the health of students and support their well-being.

The local health services are responsible for this service which is a continuation of routine infant and child healthcare. Nurses manage the health care of school children.

The main emphases in school children's health care are prevention, education, screenings, and vaccinations. Health care is provided in accordance with guidelines issued by the Chief Medical Officer and the Development Centre of Icelandic Health Services.

The nurse works closely with parents/guardians, school administrators, teachers, and others involved in student affairs, with the well-being of students as a guiding principle.

Health Education

Structured health education is provided in all grades, with the emphasis on encouraging a healthy lifestyle. After each education session, parents receive information via email about what was discussed. Giving them the opportunity to discuss with their children what they learned and how it can be applied in daily life.

The emphases in health education are as follows:

1st Grade: Prevention of Sexual Violence - "My Body"

Educational Objectives:

  • Children know that they own their bodies.
  • Children know that sexual abuse is always wrong and not their fault.
  • Children know that they can say NO.
  • Children know that they should tell someone if they are ever put in an uncomfortable situation or are subjected to a bad experience.

Safety Measures - Helmet Use

Educational Objectives:

  • Children understand the importance of using a helmet.
  • Children know how to properly put on a helmet.
2nd Grade: Emotions

Educational Objectives:

  • Children learn to recognize different emotions.
  • Children can express their own emotions and feelings.
3rd Grade: The Workbook 6H Health Educational Objectives

Happiness - Emotions

  • Children learn to recognize their own emotions and feelings.
  • Children learn about the relationship between stimuli, thoughts, and emotions.
  • Children understand the importance of self-respect and respecting others.
  • Children learn to respect the opinions of others.

Nutrition

  • Children learn that a varied diet is the foundation of a healthy diet.
  • Children learn to choose healthy food types.
  • Encourage children to eat more vegetables and fruits, 5 a day.
  • Children learn about the importance of vitamin D.

Hygiene

  • Children learn the importance of handwashing.
  • Children learn to wash their hands properly.

Physical Activity

  • Children learn that daily physical activity is important.
  • Children know the recommended daily physical activity for children.

Rest

  • Children understand the importance of sleep.
  • Children understand that they need 10-11 hours of sleep each night.
  • Children are familiar with the main sleep guidelines.
  • Screen Time
  • Children are aware of the effects of screen time on health.

Dental Care

  • Children learn and understand the importance of good dental hygiene.
  • Children know what foods are healthy and unhealthy for their teeth.
  • Children are aware of the harm of sugar to their teeth.
  • Children learn to brush their teeth.
4th Grade: Happiness

Educational objectives:

  • Children should learn to identify their emotions and understand that feelings of anxiety are a natural human defense mechanism.
  • Children should recognize the main signs of anxiety.
  • Children should learn simple coping strategies.
  • Children should be introduced to mindfulness exercises.

Accident Prevention

  • "112 Day" is on February 11th every year, and an effort is made to discuss this topic around that time.

Educational objectives:

  • Children should learn to use playground equipment.
  • Children should recognize the main dangers on the school grounds and in the immediate surroundings.
  • Children should know the first responses to accidents.
  • Children should learn to use seat belts correctly.
  • Children should be aware of the danger that airbags in the front seats pose to those who have not reached a certain height.
5th grade: Communication

Educational objectives:

  • Children should learn the basics of good communication.
  • Children should consider whether the same communication rules apply online as in other interactions.
6th grade: Puberty

Educational objectives:

  • Children should be familiar with the concept of puberty and the changes that occur in the body during it.
  • Children should be familiar with the concept of sexual orientation.
  • Children should be familiar with the concept of self-pleasure.
  • Children should be familiar with the concept of sexual violence.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Educational objectives:

  • Children should know how to respond correctly to cardiac arrest.
  • Children should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and be able to apply it.
7th grade: Vaccination

Educational objectives:

  • Children should understand the importance of vaccinations.
  • Introduce to the children the diseases that are being vaccinated against.

Further information about general vaccination of children in Iceland can be found here.

8th grade: Courage

Educational objectives:

  • Students should recognize the signs of social pressure.
  • Students should learn how to respond to negative social pressure.

Self-image and Communication

Educational objectives:

  • Students should recognize the importance of a good self-image.
  • Students should understand the factors that can influence self-image, how to build a positive self-image, and how to maintain it.
  • Students should recognize the importance of good communication and how it can support each other's better self-image.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Educational objectives:

  • Children should know how to respond correctly to cardiac arrest.
  • Children should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to apply it correctly.
9th grade: Sexual Health

Educational objectives:

  • Students should know and understand the concepts of self-respect, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual activity, gender roles, and sexual violence.
  • Students should be able to discuss with one another issues related to sexuality.
  • Students should know what contraceptives are and be familiar with the main ones.
  • Students should know how to use a condom and understand that it is the only contraceptive that reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • Students should be familiar with emergency contraception and know where to obtain it.
  • Students should know what sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are, recognize their modes of transmission, and symptoms.
  • Students should know how to avoid contracting STIs.
  • Students should know where to turn if they suspect they have contracted an STI.

Vaccination

Educational objectives:

  • Children should understand the importance of vaccinations.
  • Introduce to the children the diseases that are being vaccinated against.

Further information about general vaccination of children in Iceland can be found here.

10th grade: Mental Health

Educational objectives:

  • Students should reflect on mental health and well-being.
  • Students should recognize the connection between thoughts, emotions, behavior, and well-being.
  • Students should know the main symptoms of mental illnesses.
  • Students should know where to seek help.
  • Students should be familiar with coping strategies such as relaxation and mindfulness.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Educational objectives:

  • Children should know how to respond correctly to cardiac arrest.
  • Children should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and know how to apply it.

Responsibility for Personal Health

Educational objectives:

  • Students should know how they can monitor their own health, e.g., by examining their breasts and testicles.
  • Students should be familiar with the functions of health clinics and know when they can seek services there.
  • Students should know where to find reliable health information and be familiar with the website heilsuvera.is in Icelandic and nsh.uk in English. 

Students should consider factors that promote improved sexual health. Topics for discussion include factors related to sexual health. Example subjects for discussion are:

  • Relationships
  • The influence of culture and religion on sexual behavior
  • Heartbreak
  • Expectations and boundaries in sexual activity
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender expression
  • Trans issues
  • Harassment, boundaries, and sexual violence
  • Pornography
  • Stereotypes

Health-promoting conversations about lifestyle and well-being

When screenings are conducted in 1st, 4th, 7th, and 9th grades, the nurse discusses well-being and lifestyle with the students. The goal of these conversations is to strengthen the students' awareness of their own health and well-being, as well as to be able to resort to solutions if they experience discomfort or concerns.
Basic information from the conversation is recorded in the digital medical record of the health clinic.

Screenings

Screenings are done in 1st, 4th, 7th, and 9th grades for deviations in growth curves and vision acuity tests. If there is a suspicion of health issues based on the screening results, parents/guardians are contacted. The results of the screenings are recorded in the digital medical record of the health clinics.

Students in other grades are screened if deemed necessary and in consultation with parents/guardians.

Vaccinations

In the 7th grade, vaccinations are given against measles, mumps, and rubella, and also against HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), which can cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

In the 9th grade, vaccinations are given against polio, tetanus, whooping cough, and diphtheria.
Before the vaccination, an email is sent to parents with information about the timing.

Contact the school nurse if:

  • More information is desired
  • It is believed that the child is not fully vaccinated
  • There is a wish for the child not to be vaccinated
  • It is the parents' responsibility to have their children vaccinated.
  • Vaccinations are recorded in the digital medical record of the health clinics.

Further information about general vaccination of children in Iceland can be found here.