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Healthy Living Schools Initiative
Updated December 5, 2011
 Knowing that the experiences of young people in school can lay the foundation for an active and healthy adult lifestyle, in 2004 the Prevention Programs launched Healthy Living Schools. All K-12 schools across British Columbia were surveyed to determine whether they address the key preventable risk factors for cancer. We found that many schools had vigorous programs in their curricula for tobacco cessation, sun safety, and a balanced approach to diet and physical activity that includes offering healthy food choices. Since then, we have repeated this approach several times. New schools have obtained certification and schools that had already demonstrated their commitment to healthy living were recertified. Each school has received a certificate, along with tools and materials to assist their health promotion efforts.
The Prevention Programs uses a population health approach, working closely with local Health Authorities and school districts to provide up-to-date, evidence-based information to the education community. These activities include presentations at school district meetings, workshops with teachers at Pro-D days, and consultation with Parent Advisory Committees. We strive to support the four pillars of education, as described in our comprehensive school health document.
We created the award-winning resource of Hi5Living.org to help high-school students complete their Ministry of Health mandated Healthy Living Plans and learn about active and cancer-preventive lifestyles.
PELs and BC Schools
| Our team of Prevention Educational Leaders (PELs) work closely with their local Health Authorities and school districts to help children and their families understand that what they eat, their level of activity, whether they smoke, and if they protect themselves from the sun all have a long-term impact on their health and well being. |
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The Prevention Programs created a Healthy Lunches Guide to help you create kid-friendly lunches and snacks that are healthy and easy to prepare. Click on the image for a pdf version of What's for Lunch?
Please feel free to contact the Prevention Educational Leader in your school district to discuss how we can help your school.
For information on having your school certified as a Healthy Living School, please consult the documents below.
 Fact sheet on the Healthy Living Schools program
Questionnaire to be completed for certification
Healthy Living Schools newsletter (2011) |
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