Byrnes Health Education

a CILC Content Provider

Located in south central Pennsylvania, Byrnes Health Education (BHE) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that remains dedicated to the mission of educating and inspiring people of all ages to make healthy choices since 1995.

We are proud to offer a variety of preventive health education programs to students (grades PreK-12) and adults (workplace, parents, teachers). Those local to our area can experience our "in-person" programs either here at our center or at their location. Additionally, now thanks to technology, participants outside of our "in-person" reach can experience our "live-virtual" webcast programs during which a BHE health educator streams live from one of our five teaching theaters, Participants in all programs are presented vital health content while being engaged through interactive visuals, props, exhibits, activities, and experiments,

Program subject areas include Social/Emotional (character education/bullying prevention), substance abuse prevention, general health, human development, nutrition & fitness, oral health, and safety & disease prevention. All program content is based on factual scientific information, and guided and mapped to state and national health education standards (as well as those in several Canadian providences).

We are passionate about health education and thrilled to be partnering with you to share in that passion!

2022-2023

2021-2022

2020-2021

2019-2020

2018-2019

2017-2018

Programs by Byrnes Health Education

General Health - Cells to Systems (GR 4-8)

General introduction to cells, tissues, organs, body systems, followed with interesting information and engaging activities relating to the Circulatory and Respiratory system.

General Health - CyberWise (Elementary School) (GR 4-5)

Key topics: positives of using technology responsibly, digital citizenship, "three C's" - appropriate content (privacy & passwords), conduct (cyber bullying), and contact (strangers).

General Health - CyberWise (High School) (GR 9-12)

Key topics: responsible digital citizenship, 9 elements, "three C's" (appropriate content, conduct and contact), implications of cyberbullying/sexting, and realization that all digital activity is public and permanent.

General Health - CyberWise (Middle School) (GR 6-8)

Key topics: responsible digital citizenship, 9 elements, "three C's" (appropriate content, conduct and contact), implications of cyberbullying, and realization that all digital activity is public and permanent.

General Health - Inside Story (GR PreK-1)

A foundational health program through which participants learn about bones, muscles, organs (heart, lungs, and brain), and 4 healthy lifestyle habits (nutrition, physical activity, proper rest, and cleanliness).

General Health - My Healthy Body (GR 1-2)

Expanding upon concepts learned in Inside Story, this program explores further into bones, muscles, several vital organs, and the 4 healthy lifestyle habits including nutrition through MyPlate.gov, physical exercise (aerobic & anaerobic...

General Health - Organ Tales (GR 2-3)

Key topics: healthy function of major organs, necessary healthy habits, proper use of medications, and identifying caffeiene, alcohol, and tobacco/vaping as harmful substances for youth

General Health - Sensational (GR K-3)

This program is Sensational! Key topics: basic parts/functions of the five senses, how they protect us, how we can protect them, and the role of the brain.

Human Development - Grow & Know (GR 4-6)

This program explains the physical, social, and emotional changes associated with puberty. The focus is on natural changes of the body during adolescence. Individual development and positive health habits are emphasized. **Program does NOT address...

Human Development - Risky Business (GR 9-12)

Discussing human development entering early adulthood, this program focuses on consequences of sexual activity including pregnancy and STIs. Abstinence is presented as a choice to refrain from and prevent these consequences.

Human Development - Teen Talk (GR 7-8)

Moving beyond the basics of puberty covered in the "Grow & Know" program, this program focuses on the issues of puberty and influences such as stereotypes and peer pressure. Responsibility and consequences of sexual activity are discussed...

Human Development - Uniquely You (GR 3-4)

This introductory human development program highlights the concept that all living things can reproduce. The focus is on instincts versus learned behaviors essential to health, including good hygiene habits. Students will be introduced to genes as...

Mental Health Awareness - Breaking the Silence (Elementary School) (GR 4-5)

Key topics: increase mental health awareness, factual information to minimize stigmas, and basic signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses including anxiety disorders, such as phobias, and depression.

Mental Health Awareness - Breaking the Silence (High School) (GR 9-12)

Key topics: increase mental health awareness, factual information to minimize stigmas, and basic signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Mental Health Awareness - Breaking the Silence (Middle School) (GR 6-8)

Key topics: increase mental health awareness, factual information to minimize stigmas, and basic signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses including anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and depression.

Mental Health Awareness - Suspending Stress (Students) (GR 9-12)

Key topics include: stress (distress versus eustress and acute versus chronic), personal perceptions, stressors, reactions, bio-feedback, fight-flight-freeze, mindfulness, relaxation, etc.

Nutrition & Fitness - Balancing Act (GR 9-12)

Key topics include: nutrition as an integral part of overall wellness, influences on nutritional choices (like family, culture, friends, media, & body image), nutritional guidelines (MyPlate.gov, 6 essential nutrients, nutrition fact labels...

Nutrition & Fitness - Eating on the Run (Students) (GR 9-12)

"Food Away from Home" (FAFH) plays a major role in our society and the extent to which each individual consumes FAFH ultimately impacts their overall nutrition and health. Participants will learn about basic nutritional/dietary guidelines with an...

Nutrition & Fitness - Fuel for Thought (GR 4-6)

Key topics: digestive system review, 5 food groups of MyPlate.gov review, and in-depth discovery of six essential nutrients and their importance in the body.

Nutrition & Fitness - Fueling My Special Body (GR 2-3)

Key topics: why we need to eat, how we taste, how our body takes what we consume and turns it into energy (digestive system), and what constitutes a healthy food/drink (5 food groups of MyPlate.gov).

Nutrition & Fitness - Healthy Hearts (GR 4-6)

Key topics: benefits of all types of physical activity (aerobic and anaerobic), five components of physical fitness (cardiovascular, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition), and F.I.T.T. Principle.

Nutrition & Fitness - Nourish to Flourish (GR 6-8)

Key topics include: factors (like body image) that impact nutritional choices, the importance of fat as an essential nutrient, and dietary guidelines for a balanced approach to optimal health/wellness

Nutrition & Fitness - Sugar Shockers (Students) (GR 9-12)

Key topics include: types of sugar, other names for sugar, daily recommendations for added sugar, converting grams to teaspoons, and tips to reduce intake of sugar and health risks associated with excessive intake

Oral Health - Great Whites (GR K-3)

Key topics: explanation of sets/types/parts of teeth, progression of plaque-decay-cavities, daily brushing-flossing-rinsing techniques, annual dental check-ups, and healthy/unhealthy foods/drinks for teeth.

Oral Health - Mighty Mouth (GR 4-6)

Key topics: review of sets/types/parts of teeth, explanation of progression of decay including plaque-tartar-cavities, reminder of proper hygiene habits including brushing/flossing/rinsing and annual dental check-ups for oral health, and...

Oral Health - Tuff Tooth (PreK-K)

Key topics: basic introduction to sets/types/parts of teeth, progression of plaque-decay-cavities, daily brushing/flossing/rinsing, annual dental check-ups, and healthy/unhealthy foods/drinks for teeth.

Safety & Disease Prevention - AIDS & the Immune System (GR 8-12)

Key topics: intricacies of the immune system, function of white blood cells, healthy immune response to pathogens, immune response when HIV is present in the body, and transmission of HIV/AIDS with an emphasis on prevention.

Safety & Disease Prevention - AIDS: What Kids Need to Know (GR 4-7)

Key topics: basic parts/function of healthy immune system and immune response, introduction to HIV/AIDS, myths-concerns-fears, changes that occur to the immune system when exposed to HIV, transmission and difficulty of contraction discussed in an...

Safety & Disease Prevention - Bacteria Busters (GR 1-3)

Key topics: germs (bacteria, virus, fungus), transmission (direct vs. indirect), and defense (skin & white blood cells). Emphasis is placed on prevention through cleanliness (handwashing) and items to share vs. never share.

Safety & Disease Prevention - Clean to the Core (GR 4-8)

Key topics: types of germs/illnesses, ways to reduce/prevent illnesses, personal hygiene (skin, face, hair, handwashing, etc.), and cleanliness beyond puberty both within the home and in public places.

Safety & Disease Prevention - Driven 2 Distraction (GR 9-12)

Participants are addressed as future drivers, current drivers, and/or vehicle passengers. Key topics: increase awareness about dangers of distracted driving, types of distractions, distracted driving laws, and tips to reduce distractions.

Safety & Disease Prevention - Safety First (GR PreK-K)

Key topics: safety gear such as helmets to protect bones, muscles, and organs, use of 5 senses for safety, look-alikes (medicine/candy, cleaner/food items), emergencies, dialing 9-1-1-, fire safety, stop drop & roll, correct street crossing...

Safety & Disease Prevention - Stop the Infections (S.T.I.) (GR 9-12)

Key topics include basic signs & symptoms of common sexually transmitted infections, transmission of sexually transmitted infections, and ways to decrease risk of or prevent contraction of sexually transmitted infections.

Safety & Disease Prevention - Yell & Tell (GR 2-3)

Key topics: body autonomy/ownership/rights, personal boundaries, trusting instincts, and body safety rules regarding situations of potential abuse of body rights

Social Emotional (Character Education/Bullying Prevention) - Swimming with the Sharks (Adult)

Key topics include: communication styles, practicing assertiveness, healthy and effective communication techniques, dealing with conflict properly, and relationship building (personally & professionally)

Social/Emotional (Character Education/Bullying Prevention) - Bullying Hurts (GR 1-3)

Key topics: accidental vs. intentional, conflict vs. violence, 4 bullying types bullying (physical, verbal, social, & cyber), negative effects of unresolved conflict/bullying (stress), ways to prevent/overcome bullying (resilience)

Social/Emotional (Character Education/Bullying Prevention) - Flirting or Hurting? (GR 6-12)

Key topics: flirting (mutually enjoyable experience), sexual harassment (one-sided unwanted attention of a sexual nature), types of sexual harassment (physical, verbal, visual, and written/cyber), and proper ways to handle situations of sexual...

Social/Emotional (Character Education/Bullying Prevention) - HumanKind: Be Both (GR 6-8)

Key topics: respect, character, empathy, bullying, perspective taking, types of influences, and skills to empower bystanders.

Social/Emotional (Character Education/Bullying Prevention) - Mind Matters (GR 6-8)

An introduction to emotional intelligence (capacity to be aware of, control, & express emotions, and to handle relationships with caution/empathy). Topics include: basic emotions, self/social awareness, self/relationship management, R.U.L.E.R....

Social/Emotional (Character Education/Bullying Prevention) - Swimming with the Sharks (Students)

Key topics include: communication types (verbal and non-verbal), communication styles (aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive, and assertive), communication issues (perception, difficult emotions, etc.), and assertive communication tips

Social/Emotional (Character Education/Bullying Prevention) - The Dating Game (GR 6-12)

Key topics : dating and common concerns, learning about oneself, characteristics of healthy versus unhealthy dating relationships, boundaries, gender stereotypes, types of partner violence, tips to help.

Social/Emotional (Character Education/Bullying Prevention) - True Colors: I'm Special (GR K-2)

Key topics: valuing differences as what make us special, respecting oneself and others including differences in emotions, self-esteem and ways to build it within ourselves for overall wellness.

Social/Emotional (Character Education/Bullying Prevention) - True Colors: You Make a Difference

Key topics: four basic personality types as "the colors" (gold, green, blue, and orange), respecting/accepting differences, working together, communication, and skills, like empathy, to control difficult emotions and properly resolve conflict.

Substance Abuse Prevention - Be Smart, Don't Start (GR K-2)

Key topics: healthy function of major organs, healthy habits, healthy substances like air, food, water, and the necessary/proper use of medications, and effects of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco products on the body

Substance Abuse Prevention - Clear the Air (GR 6-12)

Key topics: increase awareness of the youth electronic nicotine delivery systems (E.N.D.S) "vaping" epidemic, dangerous link between E.N.D.S. and combustible cigarettes, and the harmful effects of nicotine on the teenage body

Substance Abuse Prevention - Drugs: Dilemmas & Decisions (GR 9-12)

General substance abuse introduction, followed with 2 of the following (chosen by scheduling site): alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin (opioids), inhalant abuse, marijuana, medicine abuse, methamphetamine, tobacco (nicotine/vaping), and/or...

Substance Abuse Prevention - Drugs: What's the Big Deal? (GR 6-8)

Key topics: reasons for teenage substance abuse including peer pressure, addiction as a brain disease, and the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana on the body

Substance Abuse Prevention - Drugsmart (GR 3-5)

Key topics: reasons for childhood risk-taking behaviors including peer pressure, necessary/proper use of medications, healthy function of the nervous and respiratory systems, and the effects of tobacco/vaping products on these two systems

Substance Abuse Prevention - Heroin: The Wakeup Call (GR 6-12)

Key topics: increase awareness of the opioid epidemic and the dangers of opioid abuse, dangerous link between the abuse of prescription pain medications and heroin abuse, and the signs, symptoms, & effects of opioid (including heroin) abuse

Substance Abuse Prevention - Huffin' 'n' Puffin' (GR 5-6)

Key topics: reasons for childhood risk-taking behaviors including peer pressure, healthy function of the nervous and respiratory systems, and the effects of inhalant abuse and tobacco/vaping products on these systems

Type of Organization

Education: Other Educational Organization

Contact

Lydia Seifert, Director of Education Services lseifert@byrneshec.org
515 South George Street
York PA 17401
717-848-3064 ext 267
United States

https://byrneshec.org/

Primary Disciplines

The programs of Byrnes Health Education cover:

Family & Consumer Science
Health & Physical Education
Professional Development
Science
Social and Emotional Learning( SEL)
STEM

Awards, Quotes, Testimonials

"Byrnes Health Education is a valuable community resource that supports our district’s mission to “provide educational opportunities through which ALL students can strive to achieve their full potential.” The center’s high quality health education programs enrich our students’ educational experiences and encourage them to make healthy choices that will help them succeed in school and in life." -Dr. Michael Snell, Retired Superintendent, Central York School District and Superintendent of the Year for Pennsylvania. "The Byrnes Health Education Center’s creative approach to providing key health education and information for young people using a variety of medium has helped springboard our efforts to help today’s girls in grades K–12 become tomorrow’s leaders as we roll out our new Girl Scout health initiative... From day one of our discussions, their commitment to our success was unquestionable." -Ann M. Hughes, Executive VP, Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA "Our partnership with the Byrnes Health Education Center has afforded our Academy students the ability to learn how the "Body Works" through innovative, hands-on activities. Their interaction with our elementary students enables them to absorb this important material, from experts in the field, in a way that incorporates fun and learning. Thanks Byrnes Staff!"

-Deborah Ayers, Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12