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Keeping physically healthy for mental health
In school, the goal is about child development, where children learn to read, write, do math, and also, learn to play and do sports.
Keeping physically healthy is a good mental exercise. As part of the mental health fair going on in campuses this September, the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Program, in partnership with the Public School System and other community organizations, gave children opportunities to play and interact with each other though games, exercises, and other fun activities.
“There’s really tons and tons of research that indicates that movement and meaningful physical activity is one of the greatest ways to blow off steam and negative vibes,” PSS Student Support Services athletic program director Nick Gross said.
“In education, yes, we want our kids to read and do arithmetic. These are super important skills. But we need to take care of our vessel, and the vessel would be that physical side of things and the ability to move.”
Gross adds that exercise is one of the easiest ways for kids to get through difficult times in life.
Aside from exercise, Community Guidance Center’s Joseph Ada makes sure that the kids are educated early on about the dangers of underage drinking and illegal substances.
“Part of our services at the Substance Abuse Prevention Services Unit is to go around the different schools, and we educate the kids on the dangers of underage drinking, and illegal substances,” Ada said.
“We feel that if we educate the kids early on, if the time comes that they encounter situations [concerning drinking and illegal substances], they already have the information that they need, and that they can make a better educated decision.”
The CGC Prevention Services Unit conducts presentations at the start of every school year and in special events, conducting presentations to educate and ensure that the youth will be healthy and safe.
To help and for more information on suicide prevention, contact the GLS Youth Suicide Prevention Program at 664-5483/5433 or via email at cnmiglsysp@gmail.com.
