Introduction
Wellness has been commonly associated with being free from diseases. Therefore if a person is not feeling sick then he or she is believed to be healthy. This perspective of looking at health is currently changing. Absence of diseases is just one aspect of being healthy, but it does not guarantee total well being.
Wellness is a choice of lifestyle and everybody has the obligation to lead a healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved by ensuring that one has access to: “proper nutrition, exercise, and control of weight” (Blaylock, 2006). Wellness also demands that a person should avoid bad habits such as taking alcohol, smoking, and general drug abuse. All these factors if considered leads to the wellness of a person.
Personal care is the key to wellness. In health the word wellness can be defined “as an active process through which you become aware of and make choices toward a more successful existence” (Null, 1986). A good lifestyle motivates a person to develop habits which enhance a good health.
Impact of Safety, Nutrition, and Health on the Wellness of Person
Safety, nutrition, and health work closely to contribute toward the wellness of an individual. Apart from the family members of a child, teachers are also very instrumental in the development of a child’s health (Blaylock, 2006). It is therefore important for teachers to understand the elements of wellness.
Several factors also affect the learning abilities of children hence it is important for teachers to understand them. Teachers who lead good lifestyles are able to encourage young children to also practice the same (Blaylock, 2006). For example they should create conducive environment that facilitate proper learning.
How to Teach the Concepts of Wellness in Preschool
Teachers can teach children the concepts and elements of wellness using the following methodologies. Demonstration is one of the methods that can be used in teaching wellness concepts and it involves showing the students what to do using various teaching aids. For example you can show students how to wash their hands as part of self hygiene.
Explanation is also an appropriate method of teaching these concepts. For example you can explain to students how to maintain good health. In addition to the normal teaching methodologies, a teacher should understand the development needs of a child.
For example they should appreciate efforts made by children in class. It is also important for teachers to help children overcome their challenges related to nutrition and health. For example students who are physically or emotionally weak should not be harassed (Null, 1986).
Importance of Knowing Wellness Concepts to a Teacher
Teachers who have a good understanding of wellness can always have a good work relationship with students because of the following reasons (Blaylock, 2006). First, they will be in a position to advice students to lead a better life. Secondly, such teachers can also be in apposition to teach the students the right content which is in line with their health needs.
Conclusion
There are many health challenges at a present affecting people all over the world. Most of these health complications are derived from poor habits that people adopt and practice. For example drug abuse is known to increase chances of contracting terminal diseases and it should be avoided.
Teachers should therefore be taught various aspects of health and nutrition. This can also be extended to the curriculum prepared for young children in school. This would enable children to develop wellness skills at a young age. The choice to have a good or a bad life is therefore a decision one has to make (Null, 1986).
References
Blaylock, R. (2006). Health and nutrition secrets. New York: Health Press.
Null, G. (1986). The complete guide to health and nutrition. New York: Dell.