Spotlight: Preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder

A recent article by Dr. Michael Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz on Cleveland.com gives readers unique ways to prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD.) The doctors suggest people who battle with SAD should move their exercise outside, begin a light therapy regiment (light boxes, dawn simulators, light visors) and take supplemental vitamin D-3. These tactics give the body more access to sunlight and vitamins which may reverse the effects of SAD. To read more about SAD and the treatments mentioned in the article, click here.

In addition to changing the physical environment for students, districts can offer emotional support to students. PublicSchoolWORKS’ (PSW) Positive Youth Development course trains educators to recognize both academic and non-academic barriers to education, such as depression, and how students can be successful by focusing on their assets. The course also teaches how to create a positive youth environment and how it can benefit academic performance. To learn more about how your staff can promote positive youth development, email sales@publicschoolworks.com...

When former Miramonte Elementary School teacher Martin Springer bailed out of jail -- accused of lewd conduct with a child -- he was ordered to wear a GPS monitoring unit around his ankle. NBC4's Toni Guinyard takes a look at the technology.

Do you have any tricks of your own for battling SAD or the winter blues? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter via @PSWORKS.  

Spotlight: Seasonal Affective Disorder

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has similar symptoms to depression. Symptoms may include sadness, anxiety, irritability, loss of interest in usual activities, withdrawal from social activities and inability to concentrate. Other symptoms are extreme fatigue and lack of energy, increased need for sleep, cravings for carbohydrates, and increased appetite and weight gain. To read more about SAD, click here.

PublicSchoolWORKS’ (PSW) Depression in Students course covers the causes, symptoms and effects that childhood depression can have on students. The course also instructs educators on appropriate ways to help a student showing signs of depression. To learn more about educating your staff on childhood depression, email sales@publicschoolworks.com.

Have you ever experienced a student with SAD? How did you recognize it and/or how did you address it? When former Miramonte Elementary School teacher Martin Springer bailed out of jail -- accused of lewd conduct with a child -- he was ordered to wear a GPS monitoring unit around his ankle. NBC4's Toni Guinyard takes a look at the technology.Share Share your dksksdksd Share your experience with us by commenting on our Facebook page.

Preparing for Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

Seasonal weather changes and shortened days leave people spending more time indoors which could possibly affect student and teacher moral. This December, Seasonal Depression Awareness Month, take the time to understand the symptoms and preventative measures you can take to steer clear of seasonal depression.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, six percent of the U.S. population, primarily in northern climates, is affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Another 14 percent of the adult population experiences a lesser form, characterized by seasonal mood changes and known as the winter blues.

One way districts can help battle student depression is to offer positive youth development activities. The National Research Council has identified several characteristics for programs that support and promote the positive development of youth, including: physical and psychological safety, appropriate structure, supportive relationships, opportunities to belong, positive social norms, support for efficacy and mattering, opportunities for skill-building, and integration of family, school and community efforts.

What is your district doing to help beat seasonal depression in staff and students? PublicSchoolWORKS offers several courses to help train teachers to understand and intervene when students are showing signs of depression, including Depression in Students and Positive Youth Development. To learn more, email sales@publicschoolworks.com.

Spotlight: Tornado Safety

A recent article from NASDAQ stated that the 2011 spring tornado season created more than $21 billion in losses, more than more any earthquake or hurricane in the last 20 years, except Katrina in 2005 and Andrew in 1992. A combination of reasons contributed to the horrific tornado season, including population changes and favorable weather conditions. To learn more about what conditions contributed to heavy destruction, read the article here.

Natural disasters are often associated with seasonal temperature changes. In the event that a tornado should occur, PSW’s Tornado Safety course provides information regarding the cause and signs of tornadoes. The course also instructs educators how to prepare students for a tornado, and what safety steps they should take during and after a tornado. To learn more about how you can educate your staff on tornado safety, email sales@publicschoolworks.com. 

Spotlight: Inclement Weather Safety

CNN recently covered a Louisville, KY school bus crash that injured 50 students. It was a rainy day when the bus, which was transporting middle school students at the time, collided with a Mustang occupied by three high school students. To learn more about the bus crash, read the article here.

PublicSchoolWORKS’ (PSW) Transportation - Safe Driving course covers topics such as inclement weather, vehicle accident preventability and motor vehicle laws. To learn more about how you can educate your staff about transportation and inclement weather issues, email sales@publicschoolworks.com...

When former Miramonte Elementary School teacher Martin Springer bailed out of jail -- accused of lewd conduct with a child -- he was ordered to wear a GPS monitoring unit around his ankle. NBC4's Toni Guinyard takes a look at the technology.

How does your school ensure transportation safety? Share your comments with us on Twitter @PSWORKS.  

Spotlight: Slips, Trips and Falls

Forbes recently covered The Bureau of Labor Statistics‘ National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. The report covered the top 10 deadliest jobs, as well as, which accidents resulted in the most fatalities. According to the report, slips, trips or falls caused about 14 percent of all workplace injuries in 2011. To read more about of the report, read the article here.

PublicSchoolWORKS’ (PSW) Slip, Trips and Falls Prevention course covers the cause, results and prevention of slips, trips and falls. The course teaches staff how to identify areas of concern, act on issues and monitor locations where injuries are possible. To find out more about slips, trips and falls prevention, email sales@publicschoolworks.com.

When former Miramonte Elementary School teacher Martin Springer bailed out of jail -- accused of lewd conduct with a child -- he was ordered to wear a GPS monitoring unit around his ankle. NBC4's Toni Guinyard takes a look at the technology.To share your story about how your school avoids slips, trips and falls, comment on our Facebook page.

November is Winter Weather Awareness Month

Fall is officially in session and temperatures, as well as leaves, are dropping. Get a jump on seasonal training before bad winter weather hits by offering training such as Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention in November with no administrator time and effort. Additional PublicSchoolWORKS’ training courses and prevention tips for educators that revolve around seasonal weather include Transportation - Safe Driving and Tornado Safety. 

To find out more about these courses and how PublicSchoolWORKS can help you and your staff avoid injuries, email sales@publicschoolworks.com.