Since we were little we learn to walk, to talk and what is right to do or not to do. But often, no one is told about diseases and how to develop a healthy lifestyle.
In many families, discussions about different diseases are taboo, especially in Romania. But this health education must come first from parents and then from school.
The authorities need to realize that a community aware of the dangers around it and healthy is a more efficient community. As we can see in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, if people are not educated to protect themselves, they get sick and can no longer contribute to society.
Anyhow, each of us must understand the importance of health education.
What is health education?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health education as “comprehensive, conscientious learning opportunities involving a form of communication designed to improve health literacy, including the development of knowledge and life skills, leading to individual and community health”.
Moreover, health education is a process by which people learn how to take care of their health and those around them. Its purpose is to influence people’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviours so that they are connected to health in a positive way.
Health education uses different educational tools to raise people’s awareness of personal health. It is based on the principle of ‘better to prevent than treat’ and this makes people aware of their general health and the measures they can take to maintain or improve it.
Benefits of Health Education
Health education teaches us about mental, physical, emotional and social health. It builds positive knowledge, skills and attitudes towards health. It also motivates us to improve our health, prevent illness and reduce risky behaviour. Health education should be started from the earliest ages. It is essential that children are aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. All parents want a complete development of their child, but many of them do not consider health education. We talk about personal development, hobbies and extra-curricular activities, but too little about health education.
Parents often tell their children about how important it is to learn and work hard. They should also teach them the importance of good nutrition and health. In addition, many parents have trouble talking to their children about puberty, reproduction, sex and sexually transmitted diseases.
That is why educational institutions should take a stand. Sexual topics – as well as other health-related topics – taught at school could be an excellent basis for parents to leave in dialogue with their young man. In addition, a comprehensive health education programe is an important part of the curriculum. Starting with kindergarten and continuing through high school, it provides an introduction to the human body and the factors that prevent disease and promote or harm health.
Health and success in school are also interconnected. Good health facilitates the optimal growth, development and learning of children, while education contributes to knowledge of how to be healthy. Youth studies have found that health risk behaviours negatively affect: education outcomes, including graduation rates and performance in standardized tests; involvement in school activities such as homework and extra-curricular activities; and student attitudes, including aspirations for higher education, feelings about school safety and positive personal attitudes.
Many are the benefits that health education brings. This allows a person to remain in good physical and healthy condition. A healthy person can fully enjoy life. It may carry out its tasks in a responsible manner. In addition, it is an asset for the family, society and the whole nation.