School Wellness Programs

The term wellness is used widely and debated in American public discourse. As a sociocultural construct, it refers to a cluster of ideas about the physical, mental, and spiritual health of an individual and the well-being of the individual in his or her environment. The individual is seen to have a responsibility for his or her own wellness, as well as a shared responsibility for the well-being of others and for stewardship of a livable world. This concept leads to the inclusion of ideas about the well-being of the Earth and the current food-related issue of sustainability. Thus, the topic of wellness is broadly conceived in contemporary American society, and wellness programs may include activities as diverse as nutrition counseling, exercise programs, and gardening, in ...