Ms. Tatum's Health Blog

New Year Resolutions

Sometimes it is very hard for you to keep your New Years Resolutions. Every Year the Gyms are full on January 2nd but by the end of February most people have either slowed down going or quit going all together. This Year I am trying to stay focused on what I need to do to make myself a healthier person. First and for most I have to take care me. I have to make myself a priority. This year I am asking you to become your own best friend and take care of yourself. Learn to eat Healthier, Exercise, and Learn to relax. Start the new year right.

Suicide: a permanent solution to a temporary problem

This week we concluded our 8th grade mental health unit with creating a care manual for parents who have teens that tried or said they wanted to commit Suicide.  I know it is sad subject but our students need to know what to do if someone is talking about ending their life.

Stigma associated with mental illnesses can prevent people from getting help. Your willingness to talk about depression and suicide with a friend, family member, or co-worker can be the first step in getting help and preventing suicide.

Warning Signs of Suicide

• Ideation (thinking about suicide)
• Substance use or abuse (increased or change in substance)
• Purposelessness (no sense of purpose or belonging)
• Anger
• Trapped (feeling like there is no way out)
• Hopelessness (there is nothing to live for, no hope or optimism)
• Withdrawal (from family, friends, work, school, activities, hobbies)
• Anxiety (restlessness, irritability)
• Recklessness (high risk-taking behavior)
• Mood disturbance (dramatic change in mood)
• Talking about suicide.
• Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness.
• Preoccupation with death.
• Suddenly happier, calmer.
• Loss of interest in things one cares about.
• Visiting or calling people one cares about.
• Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order.
• Giving things away, such as prized possessions

If see any of the signs get help ASAP.

Tobacco Kills

Today, my 7th graders saw first hand what tobacco can do to your body. We divided up in groups and went to 6 different centers. They got to compare a healthy lung vs an unhealthy lung. They saw Mr. Gross mouth and the effects of smokeless tobacco on the mouth. They saw a jar of tar. Yes, a Jar of Tar! It is a year's worth of tar found in the lungs after smoking a half a pack of cigarettes everyday. Check out the Pics.

Ms Tatum

NEW YEAR NEW CLASS

Welcome to Health! I hope you will see some differences in the class as soon as you come in to the class room. I am trying a lot of new things this year and I hope you will have fun and learn many new things that will help you in your life and in your health.

Scoliosis

6th and 8th grade students will be tested for scoliosis on Tuesday during their Connection classes.  If you have any questions call me at 678-842-6917.

This week in Health

This week is Red Ribbon Week and we are celebrating each day with different activities. I am very excited about the dance. We have new music and I hope to have a rocking good time.

Health class is beginning our new units and we will be focusing on our projects for unit 1.  Remember to bring your materials everyday and complete all of your work. I encourage each of you  to begin thinking about your topic for your health project.

Thank you,

Ms. Tatum

Health For Life

Hello, Health Students!  I hope all is well with you. I hope you have enjoyed your first 2 weeks at school. Can  you believe you only have 7 more weeks of my wonderful Health class. Just wanted to let you this is my very first BLOG. I hope we can use this to help you and your parents with my class.

Success for All