Training of personnel in schools to make health education programs efficient

For health education to become efficient, it is necessary to improve the adult environment in school. This contributes positively to the school health environment. To achieve this goal, the consciousness and knowledge of the needs of children must be improved, broadened and deepened. A school pediatrician must use his knowledge and the advantage of being a part of the school to develop courses for the school personnel to support health services in school. In the municipality of Ostersund, Sweden, we have developed five courses for school personnel concerning children and health. We find this to be one good way of interpreting the aims of school health service: to support the development of the pupils, to preserve and improve their mental and bodily health and to work for healthy life habits.