With just a week before the school open for the year, ER24 released some handy tips both pupils and parents to bear keep health and safety in mind.
Safety
If you walk to and back home from school, try to do so in a group. Never walk through secluded areas. If you see someone behaving suspiciously, get away from the person immediately and report the incident.
Ensure that valuables such as cellular phones and other electronic devices are not visible.
Know the rules of the road. Do not jaywalk. Cross roads where you are allowed to but ensure that it is safe to do so.
Never accept or ask a stranger for a lift. Leave home early enough to ensure that you are at school on time.
For those who are dropped off and picked up from school, parents/guardians or others responsible for doing so, should ensure this is done safely. If the area around the school is busy, be patient. Be careful of other vehicles in the area and children who are walking past.
Children must be appropriately restrained in a vehicle. Parents/guardians should ensure that lift clubs or any other form of transport that is organised for children is safe. Know who is transporting the child. Children who feel unsafe in these vehicles should report it to their parents/guardians.
Health
Lead a balanced lifestyle. A balanced lifestyle means healthy eating, getting enough rest and sleep, exercise and reducing stress.
A healthy eating plan can prevent certain illnesses as well as help improve your energy. You should include fruits and vegetables in your eating plan as they are full of antioxidants and vitamins. Cut down on the fatty foods, salt and sugar.
It is vital that you get enough rest and sleep. Give yourself enough time to study instead of pushing too hard at the last minute. Rather give yourself enough time to understand and ask someone for help with problems you are encountering.
Get involved in sporting activities. Regular exercise can help you stay fit.
Do not to expose yourself to too much sunlight. Exposing your skin to the sun’s rays for a long period of time increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Use approved sunscreen to protect your skin and drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.
If you are a victim of bullying, any other form of abuse at home or school, or struggling to cope mentally, report or seek the help of a trusted person such as a parent/guardian, counsellor, teacher or principal.
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