National Child Health Day: The Importance of Teaching Drug Awareness

Every first Monday of October, the United States celebrates National Child Health Day to increase people’s awareness of how they can protect and develop children’s health and well-being. Although not a public holiday, schools, government agencies, and organizations in healthcare, health professionals, and institutions observe this day.

Schools hold programs and activities that promote healthy eating, proper hygiene, regular exercise, and periodical medical checkups. Health organizations disseminate information on the importance of vaccination and regular health checkups to keep children safe and healthy. However, as we researched this nationwide event, we noticed that drug test awareness is not included in most activities.

Purchase Drug Testing Supplies Here At Lowest Prices Guaranteed – Free Shipping

Why Drug Awareness Should Be Taught in Schools on National Health Day and Beyond

Of course, drug awareness is not a topic that can thoroughly discussed in an event like the Child Health Day. Nevertheless, it is something that schools should consider teaching may included in subjects like Health or Physical Education. Why? Take a look at the following facts:

• The United States is home to 48 million schoolchildren aged 6-18.
• A large proportion of teenagers abuse substances such as alcohol or drugs because of peer pressure or bullying.
• Some children experiment with illegal drugs as early as 8th
• 20 million Americans suffer from drug and alcohol abuse.
• Throughout the nation, 10 million young people (ages 12 to 29) need substance abuse treatment.
• Drugs are now the number one cause of accidental death in the US.

Other Drug Testing Products We Offer:

DRUG TEST STRIPS

DRUG TEST CUPS

SALIVA ORAL TESTS

SPECIMEN CUPS & SUPPLIES

Medical Disposable Gloves

What Schools Can Do to Spread Drug Awareness on Child Health Day and Beyond

As mentioned above, drug awareness is not something that can taught in a single day. However, schools can include some activities like:

1. Ask a drug treatment center or any government health institution to conduct a fun activity that would help children understand what illegal drugs are, their effects, and so on.
2. Visit the Red Ribbon website. Red Ribbon is the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention campaign. It has many ideas and activities that would pique the interest and curiosity of children. And if your organization is interested, you can join the Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31. There are contests you might interested in.
3. For younger children under your care, you can download different student activities books at Scholastic. There are drug education activities, FAQs on Cocaine, and more!
4. If your school is considering including drug awareness in your curriculum, you can visit Best Drug Rehabilitation and download their free lesson plans and other materials.

As educators, you are the children’s second parents. Whatever their current circumstances are, you can help shape the lives of the children under your care, Child Health Day or not. Want to learn more about drug-related topics? Please visit the Ovus Medical blog. We have topics that can benefit you and your organization.

As our way of observing National Child Health Day, Ovus Medical is giving these special discounts:

1. Awareness2019    (Good for $10.00 off any 100 Multi-Panel Drug Test Cups or more. exp 10/31)
2. HealthDay2019     (Good for $30.00 off any 500 Multi-Panel Drug Test Cups or more. exp 10/31)

Just visit our website, click the product you want, then enter the code when prompted.

Conclusion

National Child Health Day is an excellent opportunity to focus on children’s health and well-being, but it’s also a reminder that drug awareness should be a priority in schools and communities. With millions of young people at risk of substance abuse, early education and prevention are essential to safeguarding their future.

Schools can play a pivotal role by incorporating drug awareness into their curriculum, organizing engaging activities, and utilizing free resources from organizations like Red Ribbon and Scholastic. Parents and educators must work together to teach children about the dangers of drug abuse and empower them to make healthy choices.

As part of its commitment to promoting health and safety, Ovus Medical offers discounts on multi-panel drug test cups for organizations observing National Child Health Day. By spreading awareness and providing reliable testing solutions, we can help create a healthier, drug-free future for our children. Visit the Ovus Medical blog for more resources and information on drug-related topics.

FAQs About Drug Awareness and Child Health Day

1. What is National Child Health Day?
   National Child Health Day is observed on the first Monday of October in the United States to promote children’s health and well-being through awareness campaigns, activities, and education.
2. Why is drug awareness important for children?
   Drug awareness helps children understand the dangers of substance abuse, resist peer pressure, and make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
3. At what age do children start experimenting with drugs?
   Some children begin experimenting with illegal drugs as early as 8th grade, making early education and awareness crucial.
4. How can schools promote drug awareness on Child Health Day?
   Schools can organize activities, invite experts from drug treatment centers, or use resources from organizations like Red Ribbon and Scholastic to educate students about drug abuse.
5. What is Red Ribbon Week?
   Red Ribbon Week, held from October 23-31, is the nation’s largest drug prevention campaign. It offers activities and resources to educate children and communities about the dangers of drug abuse.
6. Are there free resources available for teaching drug awareness?
   Yes, organizations like Best Drug Rehabilitation and Scholastic offer free lesson plans, activity books, and educational materials for schools and educators.
7. How can parents support drug awareness at home?
   Parents can discuss the dangers of drugs with their children, monitor their activities, and encourage open communication about peer pressure and substance abuse.
8. What role do educators play in drug awareness?
   Educators act as second parents and can shape children’s lives by incorporating drug awareness into the curriculum and promoting healthy decision-making.
9. How can schools participate in Red Ribbon Week?
   Schools can participate by organizing events, contests, and activities that align with Red Ribbon Week’s mission to prevent drug abuse among youth.
10. Does Ovus Medical support drug awareness initiatives?
    Yes, Ovus Medical supports drug awareness by offering educational resources on their blog and providing discounts on multi-panel drug test cups for organizations observing National Child Health Day.