May Newsletter

May 2009 News, Notes, & Wellness Ideas

IOWA TEAM Nutrition

NEWS

DON’T FORGET Tuesday, August 4, there will be a meeting for all 16 schools that took part in the Local Wellness Policy Demonstration Project. Each school will present a 10-15 minute overview of what they have done with the Local Wellness Policy implementation. Each district will be reimbursed mileage for 1 vehicle. There is no cost to attend. RSVP now via email as to how many will be attending from your district.

The following link has the latest information on the Healthy Kids Act on the Department of Education’s website and scroll to the Healthy Kids Act UPDATED http://www.iowa.gov/educate/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1529&Itemid=2348. School districts will be required to implement the physical activity component on July 1, 2009.

FOOD SERVICE DIRECTORS – Here is a website that can introduce you to new recipes, information and physical activity suggestions for staff and students weekly. It is posted by Iowa State University and can be used for classroom nutrition education, too! This week is all about asparagus. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/healthnutrition/may_10_2009.htm . Check out other Food and Nutrition information at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/healthnutrition/ You can ask food related questions at the Answerline link under Resources found at the lower right side of the webpage.

NUTRITION-

Looking for some Memorial Day barbeque ideas? Here are some great recipes you may want to try at the Eating Well website where good taste meets good health: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/collections.php

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY-

Even though the weather is getting nicer and we are looking for activities to do outside keep in mind there are some hot weather tips for exercising. Drinking plenty of water is one—for more tips go to this link

http://health.discovery.com/centers/diet-fitness/exercising-in-hot-weather.html

RESOURCES/IDEAS- The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is an organization sponsored by American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation. The goal of the Alliance is to stop the nationwide increase in childhood obesity by 2010 and to take bold, innovative steps to help all children live longer and healthier lives. The Alliance is having a positive impact on the places that can make a difference to a child’s health: homes, schools, doctors’ offices, and communities.

To ensure that future generations won’t struggle with illnesses associated with poor food choices and lack of physical activity, the Alliance is taking preemptive measures against obesity focusing on its four key initiatives:

Follow each of the above links for more information and resources or go to the Alliance’s website at: http://www.healthiergeneration.org/ .

STAFF WELLNESS-

Don’t be tempted to overeat during your graduation receptions and summer get togethers. Here is information on portions that can keep you on track. http://health.discovery.com/centers/diet-fitness/portion-control.html . The best way to know what you are eating is to always check the portion size on snack food labels. What you think is only one portion may be 2 or 3.

PARENT TIPS-

Looking for ideas to prevent the summer vacation boredom? Check out www.familyfun.com for ideas on cooking with kids to crafts and family vacation planning. The magazine is geared for parents of children ages 4-14 so has lots of great ideas.

STUDENT SECTION –

Action for Healthy Kids© invites students in grades 9-12 to participate in a national video contest to show how their school makes it easy to be healthy. The video contest is part of Students Taking Charge, a student advocacy program that empowers high school students to improve nutrition and opportunities for physical activity in their school. To learn more go to: http://www.studentstakingcharge.org/. The winner receives $500 and the winner’s school receives $1000 to promote physical activity and good nutrition.

This newsletter is offered as part of the USDA Team Nutrition Demonstration and Training Grant. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.