Health & Wellness

At Eaton RESA, we believe health and wellness are essential to student success. Creating safe, supportive learning environments means caring for the whole child—physically, emotionally and socially.

This section provides information and resources to help families and staff promote wellness and prevent illness. Topics include illness prevention and management, mental health resources, nutrition and healthy eating, school nurses, behavioral support systems and wellness policies that guide our work. You'll also find helpful links to local and statewide wellness resources.

Together, we can build healthy habits, strengthen support systems and ensure every student is ready to learn and thrive.

Guidelines for when to keep a child home from school

These are the guidelines from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) joint publication entitled "Managing Communicable Diseases in Schools."

Many illnesses do not require exclusion. However, children may be excluded if the illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in school activities or if there is risk of spread of harmful disease to others. These criteria also apply to when staff should be excluded. Criteria include: 

  1. Severely ill: A child that is lethargic or less responsive, has difficulty breathing, or has rapidly spreading rash. 
  2. Fever: A child with a temperature of 101F or greater AND behavior changes, or other signs or symptoms (e.g., sore throat, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea). The child should not return until there is no fever for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications. Staff can use their best judgment if the child does not have a fever of 101F or greater, but still appears significantly ill with symptoms such as glassy eyes and lethargy. 
  3. Diarrhea: A child has two loose or watery stools. The child should have no loose stools for 24 hours prior to returning to school.  
  4. Vomiting: A child that has vomited two or more times. The child should have no vomiting episodes for 24 hours prior to returning. 
  5. Abdominal pain: A child with abdominal pain that continues for more than two hours, or intermittent pain associated with any other signs and symptoms such as fever.  
  6. Rash: The child with a rash AND has a fever or a change in behavior. Exclude until the rash subsides or until a health care provider has determined the rash is not infectious.  Note: Rapidly spreading bruising or small blood spots under the skin need immediate medical attention. 
  7. Skin sores: A child with weeping sores on an exposed area that cannot be covered with waterproof dressing. 
  8. Respiratory symptoms: Worsening or not improving, and not explained by another cause (e.g., allergies)   
  9. Certain communicable diseases:  See the MDE/MDHHS publication for disease-specific exclusion periods.  

Communicable Diseases

The following resources are for guidance by schools for exclusion from in-person activities.

Handwashing & Hygiene

Washing your hands is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent the spread of diseases. Hands should be washed frequently including after using the toilet, coming into contact with bodily fluids (such as nose wiping, changing diapers or handling soiled clothing), before eating and handling food, and any time hands are soiled. It is also important that handwashing occurs frequently throughout the day. Establish a process for immediate handwashing or the use of hand sanitizers prior to school building entry. Water basins and pre-moistened cleansing wipes are not approved substitutes for soap and running water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol may be used when soap and water are not available, and hands are not visibly soiled. However, sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs so they should be used to supplement handwashing with soap and water. The general handwashing procedure includes the following steps: 

  • Wet hands under warm running water and apply liquid soap. Antibacterial soap is not recommended.   
  • Vigorously rub hands together for at least 20 seconds to lather all surfaces of the hands. Pay special attention to cleaning under fingernails and thumbs. 
  • Thoroughly rinse hands under warm running water. 
  • Dry hands using a single-use disposable towel or an air dryer. 
  • Turn off the faucet with the disposable towel, your wrists or the backs of your hands. 

For more, see the CDC’s website: About Hand Hygiene in Schools and Early Care and Education Settings.

State & Federal Laws

Eaton RESA Board Policies

Student Mental Health Support

Are you struggling to focus or complete tasks? Are you often sad, anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed? These may be signs of anxiety, stress, or depression--which can affect your well-being both in and out of the classroom. You are not alone.

Many students experience emotional and mental health challenges. Eaton RESA offers free, confidential support through behavior and mental health specialists who work directly with students at their school or, when appropriate, through telehealth.

You can find additional information about available Eaton RESA and community supports from the Student Mental Health Support page.

Tips for promoting positive mental health

Prioritize Self-Care:

  • Physical Activity: Regular exercise, even a 30-minute walk daily, can significantly boost mood and overall well-being.
  • Healthy Diet & Hydration:Fuel your body with nutritious meals and stay hydrated to support both physical and mental energy.
  • Adequate Sleep:Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to improve focus, mood, and overall health. Disconnecting from screens before bed can aid in sleep quality.
  • Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate activities that help you unwind, like listening to music, reading, or spending time in nature.
  • Mindfulness & Meditation:Practice mindfulness through techniques like yoga or journaling to reduce stress and promote a clear mind.

Cultivate Social Connections:

  • Connect with Others: Strong relationships are vital for mental well-being. Spend time with friends and family, and engage with your campus community.
  • Join Clubs and Organizations: Participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports to connect with like-minded individuals and build a sense of belonging.
  • Seek Support: Don't hesitate to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mentor about your concerns.

Seek Professional Help When Needed:

  • Campus Counseling Services: Many universities and even some K12 schools in Michigan offer counseling and psychiatric services for students.
  • Crisis Text Line: If you need immediate support, you can text "START" to 741741 for free, confidential support from the Crisis Text Line.
  • OK2SAY:Michigan's student safety program, OK2SAY, allows students to report safety concerns, including mental health issues, anonymously.
  • Mental Health Professionals:Consider seeking help from a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist for personalized support.

Tips for Navigating Challenges:

  • Set Realistic Goals: Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and appreciate the things you have.
  • Prioritize Self-Care During Stressful Times: Don't neglect your well-being when facing academic or personal challenges.
  • Take Breaks: Step away from work or studies to recharge and return with a fresh perspective.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Mental health issues are not a sign of weakness, and seeking help is a sign of strength.

Links to Other Resources

School Meal Program

Nutritional Guidelines

Tips for packing healthy lunches/snacks

To ensure healthy school lunches and snacks, parents can focus on including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Encourage water instead of sugary drinks and involve children in meal preparation. Additionally, consider creative presentation, themed meals, and making healthy choices a family affair.Specific Tips:

  • Involve children: Let kids help choose and pack their lunches. This can increase their willingness to eat what's packed.
  • Prioritize fruits and vegetables: Aim for a variety of colorful options like berries, melon, citrus, and vegetables like cucumber, carrot sticks, and cherry tomatoes.
  • Choose lean protein sources: Opt for turkey, chicken, tuna, hummus, or hard-boiled eggs.
  • Include whole grains: Use whole-grain bread or wraps, and consider options like whole-grain crackers or pasta.
  • Select low-fat dairy: Choose low-fat milk, yogurt, or cheese.
  • Limit sugary drinks and snacks: Encourage water and offer healthy alternatives like fruit or yogurt.
  • Create healthy snack stations: Organize containers with pre-cut fruits, vegetables, granola bars, cheese sticks, or yogurt cups.
  • Pack leftovers from dinner: Utilize healthy dinner leftovers for a quick and easy lunch.
  • Use cookie cutters: Add fun shapes to sandwiches or fruit for a more appealing presentation.
  • Be mindful of allergies: Check school policies and food labels for potential allergens.
  • Keep food safe: Ensure hot foods stay hot and cold foods stay cold using insulated lunch bags and ice packs.
  • Consider portion sizes: Be mindful of appropriate serving sizes for your child's age.
  • Avoid battles over food: Focus on offering healthy choices and let children decide how much to eat.
  • Make it fun: Get creative with lunchbox presentation and try new recipes.
  • Be a role model: Parents who eat healthy are more likely to have children who do the same.
  • Choose whole foods over processed: Opt for minimally processed options for better nutrition.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: Introduce new foods alongside familiar favorites, says Today's Parent.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS)

Multiple Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

Restorative Practices

School Nurse Resources (Sourced from Michigan Association of School Nurses)

Below are recommended online resources, including some interactive self-assessment tools, organized by health topic.

Blood Pressure

Cancer Prevention & Resources

Cholesterol, Heart Disease & Stroke

  • Heart Disease Risk Assessment (American College of Cardiology)
  • American Heart Association - Assess your risk for a heart attack or stroke and find information about prevention. The site also includes an A-Z reference guide containing topical information and explanations of medical terminology. 
  • Stroke Risk Quiz (Berkeley University)
  • Stroke Warning Signs (from the American Heart Association)
  • National Stroke Association - Comprehensive information about strokes, including the most common signs and symptoms of having a stroke, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery, prevention, and caring for family members who have suffered from stroke. Also includes links to professional resources, clinical trial information, and other prevention programs.

Diabetes & Pre-Diabetes

Family Health History

  • My Family Health Portrait(link is external) - A tool from the Surgeon General. You can enter your family health history, learn about risks that run in families, print and share with your family or health provider, and save the information. 

Headaches

Nutrition & Eating Well

Osteoporosis

  • Foundation for Osteoporosis Research & Education - A non-profit resource center dedicated to preventing osteoporosis through research and education of the public and medical community to increase awareness of risk, detection, prevention, and treatment. Education programs include lectures, conferences, and newsletters, available on this website. The Foundation also provides "state of the art" bone density testing.    
  • National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center - The NIH ORBD~NRC mission is to provide patients, health professionals, and the public with an important link to resources and information on metabolic bone diseases, including osteoporosis, Paget's disease of the bone, osteogenesis imperfecta, and hyperparathyroidism.
  • National Osteoporosis Foundation - The National Osteoporosis Foundation is the leading nonprofit, voluntary health organization dedicated to promoting lifelong bone health to reduce the widespread prevalence of osteoporosis and associated fractures while working to find a cure for the disease through programs of research, education, and advocacy.   

Physical Activity

Sleep

Smoking Cessation Resources

  • a comprehensive list of resources and referrals to quit smoking programs available through a variety of delivery methods including online, telephone counseling, local classes and links to programs offered through the health plans.

Contact

John Van Hoesen
Director of Safety & Employee Relations
517.541.8722
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