The “Live Healthy, Live Happy” National Strategy is a significant investment in Mexico’s future, aiming to educate children and youth on developing healthy habits that promote overall well-being while preventing drug and alcohol consumption.
An ambitious children’s health program, titled “Live Healthy, Live Happy,” is set to launch in Mexico and is expected to benefit over 11.8 million primary school students by providing them with electronic school health records to monitor their well-being.
The heads of the Secretariat of Health and Social Security have outlined the program’s key strategies, which include the formation of 739 brigades, each composed of 11 specialists, as well as the addition of 3,869 nurses who will visit 90,832 schools nationwide. These healthcare professionals will play a crucial role in evaluating students’ health and implementing preventive measures.
Starting March 12, the program will conduct a weight and height census in schools, with all data being recorded digitally on tablets. In addition to these measurements, students will undergo visual acuity and oral health assessments to ensure a comprehensive health evaluation. Recognizing the vital role of schools in shaping lifelong health habits, the program places a strong emphasis on promoting preventive healthcare and encourages active parental involvement in the process.
Student health data will be collected only after obtaining parental consent. Parents will be notified 15 days in advance of the health brigades’ arrival, allowing them to understand the planned activities and provide their authorization if they choose. After the assessments, each family will receive a personalized health report generated from the electronic school health record. This report will be designed to safeguard the child’s personal data while offering specific recommendations for addressing potential health concerns, such as obesity, malnutrition, or vision and oral health issues.
All collected data will be securely stored in the Secretariat of Health’s system, ensuring that each child has an individual health file that can be referenced in the future if needed. By integrating technology and healthcare expertise, this initiative seeks to create a sustainable health monitoring system for Mexico’s children.
The “Live Healthy, Live Happy” National Strategy represents a bold step toward a healthier and brighter future for Mexico’s youth. By equipping children with the knowledge and resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle, this program not only improves their well-being but also reduces the likelihood of engaging in substance abuse. Through collaboration between health professionals, educators, and families, this initiative aspires to instill lifelong habits that will benefit generations to come.