Fit Together 5210 in Action- March

Fit Together 5210 School Highlights:

Vogel-Wetmore Tracks Healthy Behaviors all Month Long

Mr. Egan, a Vogel Wetmore PE teacher provides each student a monthly 5210  calendar.

Students are encouraged to track their healthy habits in each of the 5210 strategies, which are then reinforced during class.

All students who turn in a calendar signed by their parents receive an extra PE class that Mr. Egan holds during his free period. Because of the great turnout  Mr. Eagan reported ” last month I had 73 calendars returned so I had to run two separate classes due to the number of kids who earned the reward. “

 Celebrate National Nutrition Month with Whole Grain Day March 27

Did you know that greater servings of whole grains at breakfast are significantly related to higher scores  in reading comprehension and fluency, and math in elementary students?    2015 Ptomey LT et al.

Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts and naturally-occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed in their original proportions. This definition means that 100% of the original kernel – all of the bran, germ, and endosperm – must be present to qualify as a whole grain.   Whole grains are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber and provide many health benefits- Check out more www.wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101

Overnight Oats with Berries

Try this Whole Grain Breakfast when you are on the go

INGREDIENTS

½ C    Low fat milk or milk alternative-soy, almond

½ C    Rolled or steel cut oats

½  tsp. Vanilla extract

½ C    Berries, peaches

1 tsp.   Ground flaxseed or chia seeds

1Tbl   Nuts or nut-butter

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix the milk, flax or chia seeds, and oats in a jar you can seal
2. Add the fruit on top of the oats (if using banana or apple wait until that morning so they don’t turn brown). Refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning add nuts or nut butter (1 TBL). Walnuts and almonds are especially heart healthy
4. Other toppings can include coconut flakes, cocoa nibs, and spices.

Fit Together Gold Partner Spotlight

Recently, Fit Together announced its first GOLD Partner recognitions honoring 10 sites in Torrington and Winsted for their positive impact on children’s health. Seven recipients are child care centers who are proactively implementing evidence-based strategies to increase daily healthy habits. Today’s GOLD partner spotlight goes to EdAdvance Head Start Programs in Torrington at St. John’s Place, Torrington East School, and Winsted Batcheller School.

Gold Partner recipient Erica Gammon, M.S., Health Services Manager of EdAdvance Head Start Programs

Erica Gammon the Health Services manager at EdAdvance Head Start programs says, “School readiness begins with health! The benefit of using 5210 at EdAdvance Head Start: Prenatal to Five is to reinforce the importance of developing healthy habits at a young age that will last a lifetime. Our program partners with families to promote physical activity and healthy eating as a part of our everyday lives.”

Do You want to be a GOLD partner site? Contact Jessica Stewart for more information @ jstewart@how2fitkids.org