January 2015
Healthy Kids Learn Better
Physical Activity Improves Concentration in the Classroom
Article below is from The Alliance For A Healthier Generation website
http:////www.healthiergeneration.org/about_childhood_obesity/wellness_stories/healthy_kids_learn_better/?utm_source=2015+HSP+General+January+&utm_campaign=2015+Jan+HSP+Onsite&utm_medium=email
We know that kids who eat healthier and move more perform better in school. It's not just because teachers and administrators tell us so. Research shows that healthy kids get better grades, attend school more often and behave better in class.
Experts recommend that kids get 60 minutes of physical activity every day. These minutes can come before, during, or after school as long as kids are staying active and having fun!
Active Living Research released a report recently about the effects of physical activity on academic success. The report found that physical activity can have both immediate and long-term benefits on long-term performance, including enhanced concentration.
The Alliance's Healthy Schools Program schools across the country are boosting academic performance by adding physical activity throughout the school day. Share your ideas for boosting physical activity minutes during out-of-school time on social media using the hashtag #healthylearners.
Learn how physical activity is helping your child's academic performance.
Active Fundraising Ideas
Fundraisers can be successful and engage youth, the community, and the school building in meaningful ways without undermining healthy eating messages. Review our healthy fundraising presentation for ideas about how schools can raise funds in a healthy way.
Youth Ambassador Teaches Nutrition Lessons
Alliance Youth Ambassador Kaseir Archie of Philadelphia inspires others to make healthier snack choices through nutrition education. He encourages his fellow hockey players to think about how choosing healthy snacks helps them perform better both on and off the ice.
Product Calculator for Smart Snacks
Use the Alliance Product Calculator for Smart Snacks to take the guesswork out of nutrition guidelines at home, too. Simply enter the product information, answer a few questions, and determine whether your beverage, snack, side or entrée item meets the USDA Smart Snacks in School guidelines.
Watch and Share- 5 Tips for Snacking Smarter
Our Youth Ambassadors demonstrate healthy snacking tips to pump up an afternoon or conquer that mid-morning rush of hunger. Share this video using the hashtag #SwapYourSnack. Watch 5 Tips for Snacking Smarter
Exercise and physical fitness are important components of a healthy lifestyle. This is especially true for individuals with autism, as children with autism have been found to have low levels of physical fitness (Auxter, Pyfer & Huettig,1997).
http://www.ncpad.org/315/1926/Autism~and~Considerations~in~Recreation~and~Physical~Activity~Settings
CTC is now officially an “Active School” as part of our First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative. Our school community is dedicated to the health and well being of our students. I’ve included important information directly from this website to help you get involved too! The ultimate goal is for students to be physically active for one hour or more each day and to fill up half of his or her plate at each meal with fruits and vegetables, but small changes to our activity levels and eating habits over a longer period of time are more realistic and more likely to lead to this goal with less resistance. Helpful nutrition and fitness tips will be included in upcoming newsletters. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional resources.
The below information is for parents from www.letsmove.gov
Everyone has a role to play in reducing childhood obesity, including parents and caregivers, elected officials from all levels of government, schools, health care professionals, faith-based and community-based organizations, and private sector companies. Your involvement is key to ensuring a healthy future for our children.
Check out the list below for more ways to get involved with Let's Move!. You can also follow Let’s Move! On Facebook and Twitter, where you can get immediate updates about related activities and the latest news.Thank you again.
Parents and caregivers can set a great example for the whole family by creating a healthy environment at home. Join the Nutrition Communicators Network for free information on how to incorporate MyPlate into family meals. Earn Presidential Active Lifestyle Awards with your kids to encourage active lifestyles at home. Get updates from Let’s Move Outside on new ideas on what and where to play outdoors with your kids. Check out the following subscriptions for updates on fitness, health and outdoor fun:
· MyPlate
· President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition
· Let’s Move Outside
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Another great resource for students is the Centers For Disease Control's "BAM (Body And Mind)" website. Here students can find ideas on activities they might enjoy but never thought of, nutrition tips, bullying and much more.
http://www.cdc.gov/bam/activity/index.html
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The following is from: USA.gov Team [email protected] via service.govdelivery.com, Jun 6
SuperTracker, a free website with more than two million users, can help you plan, analyze, and track your diet and physical activity. It lets you:
- Find out what and how much to eat
- Track foods, physical activities, and weight
- Personalize with goal setting, virtual coaching, and journaling
February/March 2014
Time Travelers Nutrition Project
Due to recent technological advances in time travel, you and your team, an elite mix of highly talented scientists, artists, mathematicians, athletes, musicians, writers and poets have traveled to New York City 100 years into America’s future. After stepping out of your time machine, you are greeted by the harsh glaring light of McDonald’s golden arches, which has replaced the eagle as our national symbol. This light nearly blinds everyone in your group. Upon further inspection of the landscape and its people, you can see that this insidious light has blinded the American people as well.
“Where are all the people?” asks one team member pensively. You are all puzzled and a little scared as you try to understand what has happened here.
There are very few people on the once vibrant and crowded sidewalks of Manhattan. The few people that you do see walking are struggling to do so, out of breath and appear to be in great pain. You are stunned to discover that most of the Americans you encounter are obese and very sick. There are mile long lines for subways, busses and taxis. Each line is complete with chairs and fast food delivery service. The fast food delivery workers are all using segways. Through biological adaptations due to under use, the muscles in humans’ legs have shrunk and can no longer effectively support their increased upper body weight.
Gone are the sidewalk fruit and vegetable vendors, they’ve been replaced by more hot dog carts. Times Square is now an enormous hospital, the size of which you’ve never seen or imagined possible. The once bustling green space of Central Park has been turned into a massive graveyard. The Fulton Fish Market is now a Diabetes Control Center thronged with crowds of near rioting people fighting each other to get in. It is complete and utter madness. Your team fears for the future of these people, your family of the future.
Upon returning to the sanity of your time machine, you and your team swiftly and unanimously decide to try and save your future heirs from this impending health crisis. But how can this be done? Can your talented team convince your contemporaries to change their ways now? Will it help? After much deliberation, it is decided that a massive ad campaign appealing to a diverse demographic (different types of people) must be undertaken. “We will help them” becomes your team’s new motto.
Directions:
Working with a partner, or small group, use your talents to find a way to persuade our current generation of Americans to adopt a healthier lifestyle. You may create a poster, write a persuasive essay, medical brochure, song or poem. You may create a newscast, dance, comedy skit, new exercise program, or new sport to make your point. If you like statistics, you can create charts and graphs depicting some (or maybe all) of the required facts. You may even write an ending to the story above. There is no minimum or maximum number of words, length of dance, song etc. required. The only requirements are below. If you’re creating a sport or dance, be sure to include written directions that include the required elements. Be creative and have fun with this!
Required Elements: Your project should include relevant information about the following nutritional concepts:
1 – Energy Nutrients
Fat – The different types and effects on health, percentage of daily caloric intake. -Energy Nutrient handout. Carbohydrates – Complex carbohydrates vs. simple carbohydrates, percentage of daily caloric intake. -Energy Nutrient handout pgs. 2-7, Protein – Low fat protein sources, percentage of daily caloric intake. Energy Nutrient handout pgs. 8-11 or http://www.cdc.gov/bam/body/picnic-microscope.html
2- Diseases Associated with Typical American Diet -Energy Nutrient handout pg. 11, or http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html
3- Calories & The Caloric Balance Equation- Healthy Weight handout; first three pages or http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/calories/index.html or http://www.cdc.gov/bam/body/picnic-microscope.html
4- Recommended Physical Activity Levels -Healthy Weight handout; first three pages or http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/calories/index.html#Recommended%20PA%20Levels
November, 2013
'Tis The Season To Be Healthy! Celebrations don't have to include junk food. Below are some non-food party ideas and some healthier alternatives from The Alliance For A Healthier Generation.
Games or crafts. Let’s trade! Ask parents to bring small items to trade, such as pencils, stickers or erasers . Dance party. Extra recess or play time. Special book Guest readers. Activity time. Overnight stuffed animal or item from class or program. Special show and tell. Special time with principal, teacher or site staff – take a walk around the school or playground. Organize a community project. Have a themed scavenger hunt around the school or site. Stock a treasure chest – ask parents to bring items such as pencils, stickers and erasers or other small trinkets to fill the chest. Allow the birthday child to be the class or site assistant for the day to help with special tasks, such as making deliveries around the school or site or lead the line. Make it an event! Allow the birthday child to wear a special sash and crown or carry a special item. For birthday celebrations, allow the birthday child to choose the game, activity, music, item, book, etc.
Healthy Snack and Beverages Ideas*
Water 100% fruit juice with no added sugar Fat-free or low fat milk Fruit smoothies (made with frozen fruit with no added sugar and fat-free or low fat yogurt) 100% fruit juice slushes with no added sugar Fresh fruit – trays, salads or kabobs Fresh vegetables – trays, salads or kabobs Fat-free or low fat yogurt (alone or as dip for fruits or vegetables) Yogurt parfaits (fat-free or low fat yogurt, fruit and whole grain cereal or granola as topping) Canned fruit or fruit cups (in water, 100% fruit juice or light syrup) Frozen fruit or fruit cups (in water, 100% fruit juice or light syrup) Frosty fruits – freeze your own fruit (frozen grapes make a great summer treat!) Dried fruit with no added sugar Nut or seed butter (serve with fruit or whole grain crackers) Nuts or seeds Trail mix made of nuts or seeds and dried fruit with no added sugar Whole grain crackers Low-fat cheese (serve with fruit or whole grain crackers) Hummus (serve with vegetables or whole grain crackers) Small whole grain waffles or pancakes topped with fruit or nut or seed butter Whole grain pretzels (soft or crunchy) Low-fat or air-popped popcorn (no added butter or salt) Graham crackers Nut or seed butter and jelly sandwiches on whole grain bread Small whole grain bagels or English muffins with nut or seed butter or jelly Pizza (on whole grain crust with low fat cheese and lean protein or vegetable toppings) Roll-ups on whole grain tortillas (fill with a lean protein such as ham or turkey, low fat cheese,
hummus, nut or seed butter and jelly or vegetables) Fat-free or low fat pudding Bean quesadillas or burritos made with whole grain tortillas with salsa Whole grain cereal bars Baked whole grain tortilla chips with salsa or bean dip Baked chips (small portions)
*Check ingredient statements and nutrition information to ensure items meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Ensure food allergies of any participants are known before serving any food item.
November, 2013 (from USA.gov) Click on the links below to get more information.
More than 8% of Americans have diabetes and about 35% of American adults have pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal. Without healthy lifestyle changes, those with pre-diabetes may develop diabetes.
To protect your health, get information about:
Risk Factors - Family history, blood pressure, and other factors can affect your chances of developing diabetes. Take a quick test to learn your level of risk.
Prevention - The onset of Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be prevented or delayed through moderate weight loss, good nutrition, and exercise.
How to Manage Diabetes - If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, learn how to stay healthy and keep the disease under control.
Statistics - Get some basic facts, including the prevalence of Type 1 versus Type 2 diabetes.
September, 2013
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Please visit my "Fitness: Let's Move and More" page for great links to help your family maintain good health! Also, look for the Nutrition Tips series in CTC's newsletters.
First Lady Michelle Obama, Shaquille O’Neal, Allyson Felix and Dominique Dawes Kick Off the School Year with Big Commitments from DC Public Schools at Yesterday's Let’s Move! Active Schools EventPosted by Elyse Cohen, Deputy Director, Let’s Move! on September 07, 2013
School is back in session and what better way to celebrate than by breaking a sweat? Yesterday afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama joined students from Orr Elementary in Washington D.C. along with some stellar athletes for the Let’s Move! Active Schools Back to School event. The First Lady spoke to educators and administrators about the important role that schools and their teachers have in fostering a healthier environment for this generation of kids.
First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks during a back to school "Let's Move! Active Schools" event at Orr Elementary School in Washington, D.C., Sept. 6, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)Though major strides have been made in combatting childhood obesity—for the first time in decades, obesity rates have declined in multiple states across the country—Mrs. Obama stressed that a continuing commitment to promoting nutrition and physical fitness in our schools is needed now more than ever.
The First Lady, along with former NBA basketball player Shaquille O’Neal, U.S. track and field Olympian Allyson Felix, and U.S. Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes, joined Orr Elementary students in fun, physical activities organized by Build Our Kids’ Success, a program designed to enhance the academic performance and overall health of kids through fitness.
First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a musical run and musical hoops activity with students during a back to school "Let's Move! Active Schools" event at Orr Elementary School in Washington, D.C., Sept. 6, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)Mrs. Obama commended Kaya Henderson, Chancellor of DC Public Schools (DCPS) for her incredible announcement of having all 111 DC Public Schools signed up for Let’s Move! Active Schools.
“Right now, we’re truly at a pivotal moment – a tipping point when the message is just starting to break through, when new habits are just beginning to take hold, and we’re seeing the very first glimmer of the kind of transformational change that we’re capable of making in this country," the First Lady said. “And if we keep pushing forward, we have the potential to transform the health of an entire generation of young people.”
Inspired by DC Public Schools? Learn more about Let’s Move! Active Schools and sign your school or district up here! Check out the First Lady’s full remarks here for some extra motivation to get involved
-Tip of the Day, 6/2/13 -- Happy 2nd Birthday MyPlate! To celebrate, buy fresh fruits in season when they may be less expensive and at their peak flavor.
MyPlate Kids' Place is OPEN!
06/03/2013The doors to MyPlate Kids' Place are open! Kids will find games, videos, songs, activity sheets, recipes, and tips to help them eat healthier and move more. Parents and teachers will find new ways to help kids make healthier food and physical activity choices. Teachers and professionals can also add the resources to summer camp and back-to-school efforts.
Tip of the Day, 6/3/13 -- Buy fruits that are dried, frozen, and canned (in water or juice) as well as fresh, so that you always have a supply on hand.
06/03/2013Buy fruits that are dried, frozen, and canned (in water or juice) as well as fresh, so that you always have a supply on hand.
Tip of the Day, 6/4/13 -- Consider convenience when shopping. Buy pre-cut packages of fruit (such as melon or pineapple chunks) for a healthy snack in seconds.
06/04/2013Consider convenience when shopping. Buy pre-cut packages of fruit (such as melon or pineapple chunks) for a healthy snack in seconds.
Nutrition Tips of the day for May
Tip of the Day, 5/13/13 -- Teach older children to read the ingredient list on cereals or snack food packages and choose those with whole grains at the top of the list.
Tip of the Day, 5/14/13 -- Make sure that the foods offered at each meal and snack contribute toward your child’s needs.
Tip of the Day, 5/15/13 -- One way to increase physical activity at play is to golf (pull cart or carry clubs).
Tip of the Day, 5/16/13 -- Change your oil. We all need oil. Get yours from fish, nuts, and liquid oils such as corn, soybean, canola, and olive oil.
Tip of the Day, 5/17/13 -- Don’t sugarcoat it. Choose foods and beverages that do not have sugar and caloric sweeteners as one of the first ingredients. Added sugars contribute calories with few, if any, nutrients.
Tip of the Day, 5/18/13 -- Establish a routine. Set aside time each day as activity time – walk, jog, skate, cycle, or swim.