New Research Finds Self knowledge is the number one protective factor for children’s health

March 11, 2013 - PRLog -- We can prevent obesity and obesity related illnesses, why aren't we doing more?

“75% of America’s children are not mentally or physically well,” according to Dr. Henry Brzycki, a prominent education and psychology thought leader. In his new book, The Self in Schooling: Theory and Practice – How to Create Happy, Healthy, Flourishing Children in the 21st Century, Dr. Brzycki identifies significant changes that health care professionals and U.S. schools can make to improve our children’s well-being. He provides best practices to help schools and practitioners focus on teaching self knowledge as both a health protective factor and a key to academic success.  Until now these two disciplines have been separated, now they are one, deepening the impact and results.

“The dire well-being condition of our children, adolescents, and young adults has severe economic costs that society is bearing as a result of inaction by policy makers, teachers, and human services and health practitioners,” said Dr. Brzycki.  He explained that when we don’t teach self knowledge in schools, we endanger children’s and adolescent’s future potentials in life, resulting in gun violence, childhood obesity, and depressive states. “I challenge the American Medical Association, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and local communities to take immediate action and focus upon teaching self knowledge that leads to positive mental and physical health outcomes.”

Grounded in scholarly research and 30 years of counseling and teaching experience, Dr. Brzycki’s book is the only comprehensive framework of psychological and well-being research and practice as they relate to prevention. The book’s first section provides the research background for teaching self knowledge, and the second section offers a framework for including self knowledge within the academic curriculum. With practical and useful suggestions, the book is accessible to not only educators and health practitioners, but also to parents and students.  

This important new book is available in print and eBook formats from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple’s iBookstore.  Dr. Brzycki heads The Brzycki Group, a human development and learning research and education organization located in State College, Pennsylvania.  Inquiries can be made at: www.brzyckigroup.com.