Staying healthy at school helps students learn, play, and participate with more energy. A school day includes many shared spaces, such as desks, lockers, buses, bathrooms, and lunch areas, where germs can spread easily. Simple daily habits like washing hands, drinking water, eating balanced meals, and getting enough sleep lower the chance of getting sick.
These habits also support focus, mood, and physical growth.
Key Facts
- Handwashing time = at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
- Sleep goal for most teens = 8 to 10 hours per night.
- Hydration check: pale yellow urine often suggests good hydration.
- Balanced plate = 1/2 fruits and vegetables + 1/4 grains + 1/4 protein.
- Physical activity goal = at least 60 minutes per day for school-age children and teens.
- Germs spread less when coughs and sneezes are covered with a tissue or elbow.
Vocabulary
- Hygiene
- Hygiene means habits that keep the body clean and help prevent illness.
- Germs
- Germs are tiny living things such as bacteria and viruses that can sometimes cause disease.
- Hydration
- Hydration means having enough water in the body for normal body functions.
- Balanced meal
- A balanced meal includes a healthy mix of food groups that provide energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Immunity
- Immunity is the body's ability to defend itself against germs and illness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rinsing hands without soap is a mistake because water alone does not remove many germs and oils well. Use soap and scrub all hand surfaces for at least 20 seconds.
- Skipping breakfast or lunch is a mistake because the brain and body need steady fuel during the school day. A balanced meal or snack can support energy and focus.
- Sharing water bottles, lip balm, or utensils is a mistake because saliva can spread germs from one person to another. Use your own personal items whenever possible.
- Waiting until you feel very thirsty to drink water is a mistake because thirst can appear after your body already needs fluids. Sip water regularly, especially after exercise or on warm days.
Practice Questions
- 1 A student washes hands 5 times during the school day for 20 seconds each time. How many total seconds and minutes does the student spend washing hands?
- 2 A student sleeps from 10:15 p.m. to 6:45 a.m. How many hours of sleep is that, and is it within the 8 to 10 hour goal for most teens?
- 3 A classmate has a cough and wants to share your water bottle after gym. Explain a healthy and respectful response, and name two habits that reduce germ spread at school.