Health Education Content Area Web Resources

The following websites offer information and resources on multiple health education content areas and may be useful for educators, students, families or all. Click on the following content area of interest for some General Health Education; Community Health; Consumer Health; Environmental Health; Family Life; Growth and Development; Nutritional Health; Personal Health including Mental and Emotional Health; Prevention and Control of Disease and Disorders; Safety and Accident Prevention; and Substance Use and Abuse Prevention.  

General Health Education

  • US CDC-Healthy Schools. Find general health information, data, guidelines, references and more by topic areas from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • KidsHealth in the Classroom. This site offers educators free health-related lesson plans for all grades and subject areas. Each teacher's guide includes discussion questions, activities and reproducible handouts and quizzes aligned to national health education standards.
  • SHAPE America. SHAPE America is a national professional organization for health and physical education. This link goes to the health education guidance and position statement page which has supporting documents for schools on health education   

Community Health

Community health includes the following topics: healthful school, home, work and community environment health providers; community health agencies and services; health service careers; safety hazards; natural disasters and emergency response plans; health planning; and community organizing.

  • 2-1-1 Maine. 2-1-1 represents a better and easier way to find answers to a range of issues and connects Maine callers to information about health and human services available in their communities. The website also includes disaster preparedness planning information.
  • 5210 Let’s Go! Let’s Go! focuses on helping kids and families eat healthy and be active. Resources are available for parents, teachers, doctors, child care providers and community organizations to share the same four healthy habits every day: five or more fruits and vegetables; two hours or less of recreational screen time; one hour or more of physical activity; and zero sugary drinks.
  • Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention. Provides links to health topics from A to Z offering information, programs and related services.
  • Maine Red Cross. The American Red Cross of Maine is an organization of volunteers providing relief to victims of disaster and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The website offers direction on programming, how to help and how to get assistance.
  • NAMI Maine. The National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine provides support, education and advocacy focused on the issue of mental illness. An active voice for families, individuals and professionals whose daily lives are impacted by mental illness. They provide suicide prevention training and resources as well.
  • People, Places & Things that Help. This section of KidsHealth.org focuses on people, places and things to help someone stay healthy, such as the emergency room, dentist, stitches and more. Includes easy-to-read information, videos and activities.

Consumer Health

Consumer health includes the following topic areas: influences of advertising and media; analyzing advertising; laws for consumer protection (product labeling); consumer protection agencies; health agencies and organization; health insurance; selection and use of health care services; quackery; determining valid sources of health information; evaluating health products and services; and using the web.

  • Center for Media Literacy. An educational organization that promotes and supports media literacy education by providing resources to help citizens, especially the young, develop critical thinking and media production skills needed to live fully in the 21st century media culture.
  • Common Sense Media. Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing information about thriving in a world of media and technology.
  • Consumer Product Safety Commission. This commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of types of consumer products. This website includes safety education, product recalls, laws, research articles and more.
  • Maine Center for Disease Prevention & Control. Provides links to health topics from A to Z offering information, programs and related services.
  • Media Education Foundation. Produces and distributes documentary films and other educational resources to inspire critical thinking about the social, political and cultural impacts of American mass media.  

Environmental Health

Environmental health includes the following topic areas: causes and prevention of environmental pollution, including air, water, soil, radiation, noise and solid waste; recycle, reuse and reduce; effects of environment on health; environmental protection agencies; population growth; world health; and legislation and policies to provide healthy environments.

  • Environmental Health Strategy Center. This site provides information and promotes strategies for human health and safer chemicals in a sustainable economy.
  • Maine Department of Environmental Protection. This State agency is responsible for protecting and restoring Maine's natural resources and enforcing the state's environmental laws. A centralized place to seek guidance and answers on Maine’s environmental regulations, laws and policies. Find information and resources to increase environmental literacy, ensuring all Mainers are better stewards of our environment and natural resources.
  • Maine Division of Environmental Health. Find information and resources on controlling environmental hazards to human health.
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Protects human health and the environment by taking action on climate change, improving air quality, assuring the safety of chemicals and cleaning up our communities. This site has a breadth of information on environmental health issues.

Family Life

Family life includes the following topic areas: family structure, extended families and interpersonal relationships; gender roles and stereotypes; marriage; divorce; contraception and family planning; the reproductive process; prenatal care; heredity; parenting; “latch-key” kids; domestic and sexual abuse; and child care skills and responsibilities.

Domestic and Sexual Abuse
  • Children's Safety Partnership. This website was created by the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault to support schools and communities in child sexual abuse prevention. It is an online toolkit with information for parents, teachers, administrators, schools, and communities for implementing Maine’s law, and responding to and preventing child sexual abuse.
  • Dating Violence. The U.S. Office on Women’s Health provides specific information on teen dating violence. The site includes basic information, strategies for prevention and protection from abuse, and additional links to publications and websites.
  • Family Life and Sexual Health (F.L.A.S.H.) Curriculum. F.L.A.S.H. lessons include a variety of strategies designed to encourage people to make healthy choices about their bodies and in relationships. It includes a strong family-involvement component and special education version.
  • Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault. This coalition works toward ending sexual violence by providing public policy advocacy, assistance to Maine’s sexual violence service providers, public awareness and prevention activities, and statewide training. Access resources and services through the website.
  • Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. A statewide network of domestic violence projects focused on public policy, education and systems advocacy to ensure that all people affected by domestic abuse and violence are supported. The website provides access to prevention and education training, public policy resources, information and more.
  • Teen Dating Violence. This U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website offers information on unhealthy relationships. Find information, hotline numbers and additional links on this website.
Family
  • Family Health. Dedicated to helping families be safer, healthier and stronger.
  • School & Family Health. Provides information on parenting basics such as discipline, homework help, and how to talk to your child about tough subjects such as sex, tobacco and alcohol.
  • We Are Family. A preschool and kindergarten unit plan on family structures from Scholastic.
Healthy Relationships
  • Am I in a Healthy Relationship? Teen-friendly information on the characteristics of healthy relationships.
  • F.L.A.S.H. Curriculum. F.L.A.S.H. lessons include a variety of strategies designed to encourage people to make healthy choices about their bodies and in relationships. It includes a strong family-involvement component and special education version.
  • Maine Family Planning Education Program. Provides comprehensive, accurate and non-judgmental reproductive information and resources to improve the health and well-being of teens and young adults in Maine. This website is for educational purposes and should not be considered personal medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.
Reproductive Health
  • Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors. The U.S. CDC has information on a number of adolescent health topics including sexual risk behavior and prevention. Find publications, data, fact sheets and more.
  • Advocates for Youth. Advocates for Youth aims to help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. This site includes lesson plans for all grade levels, advocacy materials for professionals and youth, information and tools.
  • Answer. Answer offers youth-driven sexuality education. The cornerstone of the project is Sex, Etc., an online and print teen resource for sexual health information.
  • F.L.A.S.H. Curriculum. F.L.A.S.H. lessons include a variety of strategies designed to encourage people to make healthy choices about their bodies and in relationships. It includes a strong family-involvement component and special education version.
  • Guttmacher Institute. This institute advances sexual and reproductive health worldwide through research, policy analysis and public education. The site offers links to state data and resources, publications and other media resources.
  • Maine Family Planning. Raise awareness and help prevent unintended pregnancy in Maine. Find an abundance of information and access many state and national resources for parents, educators and youth.
  • Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey. The survey provides self-reported student behavior for grades five through 12 and is completed every odd year. Local, county, public health district- and state-level data is available.
  • Maine HIV, STD & Viral Hepatitis Program. This Maine CDC program works to stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis and HIV; reduce illness and death; and promote the health and well-being of people with, or at risk for, these diseases.
  • Maine Family Planning Education Program. Provides comprehensive, accurate and non-judgmental reproductive information and resources to improve the health and well-being of teens and young adults in Maine. This website is for educational purposes and should not be considered personal medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.

Growth and Development

Growth and development includes the following topic areas: stages of life, including childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age and old age; death and dying; aging and growth patterns including sexual development; adolescent development including physical, mental, social and emotional issues; sexual orientation; learning styles; and developmental tasks.

  • Adolescent Development. A collection of articles on adolescent development topics including physical and mental development.
  • Answer. Answer offers youth-driven sexuality education. The cornerstone of the project is Sex, Etc., an online and print teen resource for sexual health information.
  • Family Life And Sexual Health (F.L.A.S.H.) Curriculum. F.L.A.S.H. lessons include a variety of strategies designed to encourage people to make healthy choices about their bodies and in relationships. It includes a strong family-involvement component and special education version.
  • Inclusion & Respect. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) offers resources to support educators to create safe spaces for all students. Lesson plans on bullying, bias and diversity as well as inclusive curriculum and educator guides are available.
  • Maine Family Planning Education Program. Provides comprehensive, accurate and non-judgmental reproductive information and resources to improve the health and well-being of teens and young adults in Maine. This website is for educational purposes and should not be considered personal medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.
  • Puberty & Growing Up. This KidsHealth.org section for kids is all about puberty and includes kid-friendly information and resources.

Nutritional Health

Nutritional health includes the following topic areas: U.S. Dietary Guidelines and health status; food guidelines; nutrients; factors influencing choices; food information; maintaining desirable weight; effects of nutrition on growth; additives; food safety; nutrition and its relationship to disease; national and worldwide food supply; and supplements.

  • Choose MyPlate. A wealth of resources for nutrition information, education and health, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  • Dairy Council of California Healthy Eating Made Better. Nutrition education resources and healthy eating articles to assist in making healthy eating decisions. Nutrition education curriculum information, resources, games and activities for kids, and educational materials for parents can be found on this site.
  • Maine Agriculture in the Classroom. A grassroots program working to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society. Provides agricultural resources, grants and program links.
  • Maine Dairy & Nutrition Council. Find resources for schools including dairy information, nutrition lessons, classroom activities and food service supports.
  • School Nutrition Association Teaching Kids About Nutrition. Find resources, curriculum and educational materials necessary to promote healthy lifestyles and lifelong learning. Many programs connect the classrooms to the cafeteria.
  • Teach ME About Food & Farms. A collection of lessons and resources for educators in grades preK-12.
  • USDA Curricula & Lesson Plans. Provides links to a plethora of nutrition education curricula and lesson plans as well as access to food models, free or low-cost materials, sources of nutrition education materials, reports and studies.

 

Personal Health Including Mental and Emotional Health

Personal health includes the following topic areas: bioethical issues; care of body systems; communication skills; dealing with depression; dealing with societal problems such as child abuse and neglect, rape, harassment, crime and violent behavior; family and peer influence; independence; mental illness, mental health services; personal health management plan; personal hygiene, dental health; personality, emotions, responsibility and motivation; physical fitness and lifetime physical activity; problem-solving and responsible decision-making skills; self-concept, positive self-esteem; sleep, rest, relaxation and recreation; stress management; suicide prevention; understanding individual differences; and vision and hearing.

Mental Health
  • Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information on a number of adolescent health topics, including sexual risk behavior and prevention. Find publications, data, fact sheets and more.
  • Family Life And Sexual Health (F.L.A.S.H.) Curriculum. F.L.A.S.H. lessons include a variety of strategies designed to encourage people to make healthy choices about their bodies and in relationships. It includes a strong family-involvement component and special education version.
  • Feelings. This section of KidsHealth.org addresses emotions, behaviors and relationship issues and how to deal with them.
  • Grieving Students. This website provides educators with the information, insights, and practical advice needed to better understand and meet the needs of grieving students.
  • Inclusion & Respect. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network offers resources to support educators to create safe spaces for all students. Lesson plans on bullying, bias and diversity as well as inclusive curriculum and educator guides are available.
  • MentalHealth.gov. This site offers basic information on mental health in general and specific problems for a variety of audiences including educators, young people and parents.
  • Maine Suicide Prevention Program (MSPP). The MSPP is administered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Maine and provides awareness, prevention and intervention trainings and services to reduce the amount of suicidal behavior in Maine.
  • NAMI Maine. The National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine provides support, education and advocacy on behalf of people with mental illness and their families. The website provides access to information and resources at the local and state level including a helpline, education/training and support groups.
  • U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association. Provides information on suicide prevention, mental health, substance abuse and tobacco use.
  • Your Mind. Being healthy means dealing with the changes in your body — and your mind.
Personal Safety
  • Dating Violence. The U.S. Office on Women’s Health provides specific information on teen dating violence. The site includes basic information, strategies for prevention and protection from abuse, and additional links to publications and websites.
  • F.L.A.S.H. Curriculum. F.L.A.S.H. lessons include a variety of strategies designed to encourage people to make healthy choices about their bodies and in relationships. It includes a strong family-involvement component and special education version.
  • Inclusion & Respect. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network offers resources to support educators to create safe spaces for all students. Lesson plans on bullying, bias and diversity as well as inclusive curriculum and educator guides are available.
  • Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault. This coalition works toward ending sexual violence by providing public policy advocacy, assistance to Maine’s sexual violence service providers, public awareness and prevention activities, and statewide training.
  • Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. A statewide network of domestic violence projects focused on public policy, education and systems advocacy to ensure that all people affected by domestic abuse and violence are supported. The website provides access to prevention and education training, public policy resources, information and more.
  • Maine Teen Health. This site strives to improve the health and well-being of teens and young adults in Maine by providing comprehensive, accurate and non-judgmental reproductive and sexual health information and resources.
  • Teen Dating Violence Prevention. This U.S. CDC website offers information on unhealthy relationships. Find information, hotline numbers and additional links on this site.
Physical Health
  • 5210 Let’s Go! Let’s Go! focuses on helping kids and families eat healthy and be active. Resources are available for parents, teachers, doctors, child care providers and community organizations to share the same four healthy habits every day: five or more fruits and vegetables; two hours or less of recreational screen time; one hour or more of physical activity; and zero sugary drinks.
  • BAM!—Body and Mind. BAM! is aimed toward youth ages nine to 13 and was created to answer kids' questions on health issues. Children can discover ways to make their bodies and minds healthier, stronger and safer. The website includes interactive activities that are educational and fun.
  • Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention. Links to health topics from A to Z offering information, programs and related services.
  • Staying Healthy. Find out how to take care of your body, eat healthy and stay fit.
  • Your Body. From growing up to getting braces, popping pimples to resting up, this section gives you the basics on your changing body. 
 

Prevention and Control of Disease and Disorders

Prevention and control of disease and disorders includes the following topics: causes, transmission, prevention, management and treatment of chronic and communicable diseases, including asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental illness, colds and flu; sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS; immunizations; lifestyles and diseases; eating disorders; community efforts; traditional and alternative medical care services; historical and current research; and influences of technology.

  • Cancer Prevention, Bone Marrow Registry, and Organ Donations: Information for All Ages. To educate students regarding common cancer symptoms, the Bone Marrow Registry and organ donation, there are online programs and lessons for school administrative units to use at no cost for elementary, middle and high school health education classes.
  • Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion website offers access to programs, research, tools, resources, state fact sheets and more.
  • Mayo Clinic Diseases & Conditions. A comprehensive guide on hundreds of health conditions.
  • Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Provides expertise, information and tools for chronic and infectious diseases.
  • Maine HIV, STD & Viral Hepatitis Program. This Maine CDC program works to stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis and HIV; to reduce illness and death; and to promote the health and well-being of people with, or at risk for, these diseases. The site offers information, data, links to services and programs.
  • Maine Teen Health. This site strives to improve the health and well-being of teens and young adults in Maine by providing comprehensive, accurate and non-judgmental reproductive and sexual health information and resources.
  • Sites for Kids Health & Health Education. A collection of online resources for youth, parents and educators on health and health education.
  • Tick & Mosquito Educator Resources. Maine CDC developed school-based modules on ticks and mosquitos for grades 3 - 8. Programs are free and include downloadable and printable materials.
  • U.S. CDC Diseases and Conditions. An A to Z Index for diseases and conditions as well as links to more websites and programs.
 

Safety & Accident Prevention

Safety and accident prevention includes the following topics: attitudes toward safety; unintentional injuries including causes of injuries; home and school safety; highway safety (pedestrian, auto, bicycle, recreational vehicles, school bus); fire prevention; weapon safety; weather safety; recreational sports including water safety; hunting safety; worksite safety; protective equipment; survival skills; violence prevention; environmental hazards; basic first-aid and emergency care including CPR; health care; resources and agencies; safety rules and laws; safety careers; suicide; dealing with emergencies. This page includes websites supporting safety and accident prevention.

  • Acute & Emergency Care. This School Health Services webpage offers resources for concussion management,Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillators (AED), and more.   
  • Consumer Product Safety Commission. This commission aims to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. The site includes safety education, product recalls, laws, research articles and more.
  • Eddie Eagle Gun Safety �. This program teaches children in preschool through third grade four important steps to take if they find a gun.
  • Kids Health/Teen Safety. From camping to the Internet, this site will help teens prepare to protect themselves and deal with emergencies.
  • Kids Health/Kid Safety. Learn how to play it safe at home, outdoors and on the road during any season of the year.
  • Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. This website offers resources and information on Maine driving laws, grants, safety programs and more.
  • Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA). MECASA works toward ending sexual violence by providing public policy advocacy, assistance to Maine’s sexual violence service providers, public awareness and prevention activities, and statewide training.
  • Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. A statewide network of domestic violence projects focused on public policy, education and systems advocacy to ensure that all people affected by domestic abuse and violence are supported. The website provides access to prevention and education training, public policy resources, information and more.
  • Maine Injury Prevention Program. A statewide, comprehensive and integrated injury prevention program that provides resources for professionals, communities, agencies and organizations in both the public and private sectors. The website includes fact sheets, data and publications.
  • Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Includes information on seasons, available game, game laws, biologist reports and hunter safety courses.
  • Maine Red Cross. The American Red Cross of Maine volunteers provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. This website offers direction on programming, how to help and how to receive assistance.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine. Provides support, education and advocacy on behalf of people with mental illness and their families. The website provides access to information and resources at the local and state level including a helpline, education/training and support groups.
  • Teen Dating Violence Prevention. This U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has information on unhealthy relationships. Find information, hotline numbers and additional links on this website.

Substance Use & Abuse

Substance use and abuse, including the effects of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, covers the following topics: tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use prevention; risk and protective factors; intervention and treatment resource; short- and long-term physical, mental, emotional, social, vocational and legal effects; chemical dependency; impact on family members; properties of drugs; appropriate use of chemicals; risk behavior and legal issues; impact of media messages; using refusal skills; and school and community resources.

This page includes websites supporting substance use and abuse as well as the effects of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.

  • Above the Influence Campaign. This campaign helps teenagers stand up to negative pressures, including the pressure to use drugs, pills and alcohol. The ads and commercials are created for the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, a program of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
  • Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS). MIYHS provides self-reported student behavior for grades five through 12 and is conducted every odd year. Local, county, public health district- and state-level data is available.
  • Maine Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services School Resources. This page offers a variety of resources for educators and schools to support the prevention of violence in and around schools and to strengthen programs that prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse. This website was created to educate adolescents age 11 through 15 (as well as their parents and teachers) on the science behind drug abuse. The site includes animated illustrations, quizzes and games to make learning fun through interaction.
  • Prevention for ME. This website provides information, tools and resources to prevent and protect Maine youth from tobacco. Tips for parents are also provided.
  • U.S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Association. This website provides links to information and resources on suicide prevention, mental health, substance abuse and tobacco use.