Together We Can

If you want a healthier society, education is a good place to start. Education is directly linked to a higher life expectancy. Numerous studies show that when children learn healthy habits at a young age, they are likely to continue those healthy habits to adulthood – especially with repeated exposure. According to the World Factbook published by the Central Intelligence Agency, Lebanon is ranked 68th in the world for life expectancy at 77.8 years for the average citizen. In 1997, the Ministry of Education began intentionally including health education in the curriculum of schools in Lebanon. It is likely health education is a large contributor to the steadily climbing life expectancy in the last fifteen years. In order to utilize the general knowledge children learn in their education, like skills in math, reading, and science, students need to be healthy. Educating youth on their health is essential.

Educators are the primary promoters of new healthy lifestyles and ideas in Lebanon and countries worldwide. In addition to a longer life expectancy, the benefits of comprehensive health education go beyond physical health and well-being. Receiving quality, continued education is linked to higher-paying jobs that increase access to care through employee benefits and increased opportunity for health resources. Stress levels decrease when a child is focused on education. Lower stress is attributed to lower rates of crime and smoking, making households and neighborhoods healthier.