Lifestyle Medicine in Schools | Dan Newman on Transforming Student Wellbeing | HCA Talks Health

 Why are more children than ever struggling with anxiety, ADHD, and poor health — and what can schools do about it? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we speak with Dan Newman, founder and CEO of Lifestyle First, who is on a mission to make health a priority in education.A former PE teacher with over 20 years in education, Dan shares how he’s integrating Lifestyle Medicine and health coaching into school communities to improve attendance, wellbeing, and academic engagement. He reveals the environmental factors affecting children’s physical and mental health — from ultra-processed diets to reduced movement and family stress — and how his holistic approach is changing outcomes for students, staff, and parents.🎧 In this episode, you’ll discover:The six pillars of lifestyle medicine and how they fit into school lifeHow modern environments affect children’s health and behaviourWhy staff wellbeing is key to student successStrategies to engage parents in creating healthier home environmentsHow Health Coaches can work within schools to drive cultural change⏱ Timestamps:0:00 Welcome & introduction to Dan Newman1:00 Why Dan focuses on school communities2:00 Changes in student fitness, coordination, and resilience3:00 Rising anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues6:30 The role of environment in children’s health challenges7:00 Metabolic health, diet, and brain function in young people10:00 Parent-child attachment and coping mechanisms12:00 The impact of constant distraction on emotional regulation13:00 Results from schools using this approach (attendance & wellbeing)14:00 Why staff wellbeing must come first16:00 Engaging parents in health education18:00 Launching a PSHE curriculum based on lifestyle medicine20:00 Applying the six pillars of lifestyle medicine in schools22:00 Behaviour change through awareness and experimentation24:00 Practical assignments like sleep trackers and lifestyle awards26:00 Empowering students to take control of their health30:00 Creating a culture shift within school communities32:00 How health coaching fits into education35:00 Training health coaches and teachers to work in schools36:00 Models for health coaching in education settings38:00 How to approach schools with health coaching services39:00 The long-term value of lifestyle medicine in schools40:00 Dan’s personal morning routine and active lifestyle42:00 Inspiring others through role modelling44:00 Final message for Health Coaches📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy🌿 Discover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness CoachingIf you have a passion for health and wellbeing, visit: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com🔔 Subscribe & ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more aspiring health coaches. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health!💡 Enjoyed this episode?Check out our health coach certification: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com/Or listen to more expert episodes here → https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com/health-wellness-podcast