Trotting with a Turkey December 3, 2008 11:04 AM
Each major holiday I become very food-focused. It is an opportunity to "love" my family and guests through the experience of great food. I take great care in balancing a menu that offers a variety of colors, textures and flavors. Shopping requires several trips and plenty of planning.
One holiday detail that I never used to plan for, but am beginning to understand the importance of, is physical activity. What a fantastic way to get close to family and friends in another very experiential way! And often, if we do not make a plan, the opportunity evaporates.
This year, the West Vincent Wellness Committee hosted a Turkey Trot on Black Friday.
Approximately 35 West Vincent students and 30 parents/teachers/grandparents gathered to chase Mr. Lucas, dressed up as a turkey, around the walking path at the West Vincent Park (also known as Andrew Evans Park). Families enjoyed parachute games, relays, hoola hoops, free apples, free apple cider and water. Everyone enjoyed the brisk weather and opportunity to play together at a local community park!!
Plans like the one above inspire me to do more! Do you have activities that promote health that you or your family likes to do? Please share! Winter holidays and all those cookies are approaching!
-- Jo-an Rechtin
Wellness Council, holidays, family activity, physical activity | Comments (2)
Drug Free is the Healthy Way to Be October 27, 2008 1:03 PM
Red Ribbon Week
One of the highest risk factors in teen health is drug and alcohol abuse. As adults, we really need to be aware of the prevalance of use and abuse among teens, as well as the fact that the age of use continues to dip. Did you know that according to a recent national survey, 17% of eighth graders reported drinking alcohol within the past month?
A strong parent-child relationship is the BEST defense. Research shows that teens are much more likely to delay drinking when they feel they have a close, supportive tie with a parent or guardian.
Today's youth are exposed to so many messages that glorify or promote alcohol use--on the internet, tv, radio and other media. Talk about pressure! Make sure your child understands his or her right to resist!
Experts suggest not only talking to your teen but also using the following prevention strategies:
- Monitor alcohol in your home
- Connect with other parents
- Keep track of your child's activities
- Develop family rules about teen drinking
- Set a good example
Red Ribbon Week is a good time to approach your child and help him or her better understand the risks of underage drinking and ways to resist peer pressure. A good website to visit with your teen is www.thecoolspot.gov
-- Jo-an Rechtin
Wellness Council, drugs, alcohol, red ribbon week, teens | Comments (0) | Download
State of Readiness August 27, 2008 1:26 PM
Webster's lists several definitions for the word "fit", including "a sudden activity followed by a relaxation" (commonly experienced by caretakers of the very young). For some reason I have always equated being "fit" with a well-sculpted body, complete with the six-pack result of serious weight lifting, marathon running, and boot camp work-outs--none of which I enjoy.
When the Owen J. Roberts Wellness Council selected a title for programming and a logo we wanted to make sure our message had mass appeal. Given my bias, I was worried about how others might relate to the word "fit".
It was interesting that within our committee, being "fit" had unique connotations for each of us. One council member grew up in a military family learning early on to value the sense of preparedness that the word "fit" conjured for her. I could relate to her feelings about being "ready" and I hope you can too.
Having our physical and emotional selves in a suitable state so that we may live life fully and happily is how we hope you relate to "Fit for Life" . Preparing ourselves in this manner is an ongoing and infinite process. When we think of wellness in that light it is possible to remove the stress, fear, or guilt that we often feel when we attempt to measure healthy lifestyle.
Over the last few decades the average American has become far less healthy than ever before. In fact, it has become so bad that it is now predicted that our children will have a shorter life expectancy than ours. Worse, those shortened lives may be spent not feeling too well. This should inspire each of us to work at evolving to a more "fit" state. Yet, we are so barraged by health improvement messages that it is easy to feel incapable of ever actually succeeding.
Fit for Life embraces a philosophy of collaboration, cooperation and communication where we, as community, may share ideas that help our personal wellness journeys feel uniquely satisfying.
What foods do you eat that nourish your mind and body? What sort of activities do you participate in that help you feel lighthearted? In what ways do you allow yourself to play and rest? Each day holds a unique opportunity to share and learn and move toward our best selves. I am working to accept being fit as a pleasurable journey, rather than an uncomfortable imposition. I think I am ready, how about you?
-- Web Master