The town's steering group, of which Hulda is a part, has representatives from most areas of the local authority, and Hulda says that an effort is made to rotate most departments and units so that the knowledge is more widespread. \u201eThe ideas come, in part, from the staff and residents of the municipality and are implemented in such a way that as many people as possible feel involved and are part of the decision-making process. The City of Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur's health strategy contains health objectives which we try to implement in different ways for different groups. During the Covid pandemic, we have encouraged people to use safe ways to improve their health. For example, we have been promoting free walking routes on Wapp, presenting a full alphabet of health-promoting ideas, and encouraging people to go on health and cultural walks, whilst at the same time observing the two-metre rule. These walks have been held weekly over the summer. We feel it's important that residents find it desirable to enjoy everything the town has to offer, and that the healthy option is the easy choice. That is the core theme of all the steering group's work.\u201c <\/em><\/p>\n Health-promoting primary schools is a second focus, an initiative by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer to integrate health promotion into nursery and primary schools and make it the core culture of the school's work. \u201eThrough this, we, the school staff, were provided with a guiding toolkit to view the entire school operation through the lens of health promotion. At the authority, we receive assistance and support so that each school signs a document confirming that it makes this decision and implements it in its own way. School representatives receive a folder containing guidance materials and recommendations. Then, a baseline survey is developed to position the school on its journey,\u201c<\/em> says Hulda. Steering groups are then in each school that work as a team to decide what the focus will be and for how long. Among the areas of focus that can be chosen are diet, dental health, life skills, the home, the local community, safety and mental well-being. <\/p>\n Hulda emphasises that it is not at all necessary to improve everything at once and that, after an internal review, it often turns out that much is already being done to promote health. \u201eFor example, when we started to focus on health promotion at Hvaleyrarsk\u00f3li in 2008, mental well-being was addressed and we had the pupils do a project based on the 10 mental health commandments. They are displayed on a large sign above the canteen.\u201c<\/em> They also made use of various things the town offered, such as peer education, and introduced the 'Buddy Packs' project during break time. \u201eWe therefore, of course, encourage the active participation of staff.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Hulda says that 5 out of 8 primary schools and 2 out of 17 nurseries have become part of these targeted healthy schools. These schools are doing fantastic things, and it's a joy to see the positivity and energy from those leading them in this.\u201eWe really want all the schools to take part and we want to show them that this is simpler than people think and absolutely worth it. There always needs to be someone enthusiastic and driven to lead the way in each location, and we have been running lectures and workshops. Next, the steering group will support the Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur Outdoor Centre as an incentive to use outdoor teaching without much effort. We are looking for every way to help people see the light,\u201c <\/em>Hulda says with a smile at the end.<\/p>\n![\"Hulda2\"](\"https:\/\/hafnarfjordur.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/hulda2.jpg\")
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Hulda had no trouble doing a handstand on the monkey bars, being a great sportswoman herself. Photo\/OB\u00de<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/p>\nA guidance toolkit from the Chief Medical Officer's staff<\/h4>\n
Active staff participation matters<\/h4>\n
Want to include all the schools<\/h4>\n