How Do Healthy Hotspots Affect Places Where We Learn?

Many aspects of the places we learn such as daycare, schools, community colleges, and universities can impact the health of our children, youth and young adults, including the types of foods served; opportunities for physical activity or recreation; and health education that supports building lifelong healthy habits. The physical environment of these places is also important Policies and protocols must be in place to ensure food protection, sanitation, healthy air quality, safe playgrounds, violence prevention, and emergency response, among other issues. So, a healthy place to learn is designed to promote the best physical, emotional, social and educational development of students.

Healthier students achieve more, and there are many ways that these places can nurture both health and learning. Some daycares take physical activity breaks during the day and reduce screen time. Some schools provide breakfast in the classroom, promote healthy fundraising, and are implementing enhanced physical education. And others have made their campuses smoke-free. All of these examples contribute to better health and better learning.