http://ojrfitforlife.com/blog/index.cfm Expert advice on nutrition and physical activity. en-us Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:08:47 -0400 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:25:00 -0400 BlogCFC http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss jrechtin@ojrsd.com jrechtin@ojrsd.com http://ojrfitforlife.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/9/Take-Action Important legislation is presently in review. It is of vital importance that parents talk with legislators about the importance of nutrition and physical activity for our children. Their future is in our hands!A recent New York Times article highlights major concerns over school lunches.The Child Nutrition Act is due for review in September, 2009. Write to your legislators and let them know that you support a Child Nutrition Act that creates higher minimum standards for food served in schools, more funding, more freshfruits and vegetables and most importantly, let them know that you want the updated regulations to encourage school districts to establish local standards that exceed the federal mandate.There are websites that allow you to connect with legislators directly. You might check the Healthy School Campaign or Slow Food's Time for Lunch CampaignThere are many more.Physical Activity is the other major legislation being affected this fall. Check out the details on the FIT Kids Act which would amend No Child Left Behind and encourage more time for Physical Activity in the student day. legislation nutrition physical activity Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:25:00 -0400 http://ojrfitforlife.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/9/Take-Action http://ojrfitforlife.com/blog/index.cfm/2008/12/3/Trotting-with-a-Turkey 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! Wellness Council holidays family activity physical activity Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:04:00 -0400 http://ojrfitforlife.com/blog/index.cfm/2008/12/3/Trotting-with-a-Turkey