Fit Together in Action July News
Fit Together 5210 School Highlights:
Torrington Middle School Community Fitness Trail
On July 13 and 14 volunteers installed Phase One of the Torrington Middle School’s Community Fitness trail and will finish the five piece equipment installation on July 28. The five stations which will soon be ready for the community are a Trapeze, Joint Pull up, Push up, Parallel bars and a Vault. Each station is designed to workout different muscles of the body and appeal to Torrington’s diverse population; athletes, families, seniors, walkers and runners.
In order to make the project come to fruition, the Torrington Middle School received a grant from Fit Together along with additional donations from Dr. Michael Curi and the community. Kara Centrella the TMS nurse was the team lead on the project. "The kids are going to be blown away when they see this [trapeze]! When can start phase two?!” As the volunteers were finishing up for the day a person walking the grounds commented; “This is awesome.”
The Heat is on Keep Kids HYDRATED
Kids are more likely than adults to become dehydrated! Kids sweat less than teens and adults and they generate more body heat, which means their bodies’ cooling systems are not as effective as adults.
During these hot summer days when kids are active make sure they do the following:
- Take a hydration break every 15 minutes, even if kids claim they are not thirsty
- Encourage kids to drink before, during and after physical activity
- Make the drink of choice WATER, kids do not need Gatorade or other electrolyte beverages
- Watch kids closing especially on hot days when they need even more fluid
For more information check out: Kids Eat Right at www.eatright.org
Fit Together Gold Partner Spotlight
Dr. Jessica Magda and Dr. Michael Curi
Leah Drouin PA and Jessie Mangs, PA
GOLD Partner sites are celebrated for proactively implementing evidence-based strategies to increase daily healthy habits!
This Month’s GOLD partner spotlight goes to two local pediatrician practices; Litchfield Hills Pediatrics and Dr. Jessica Magda and Dr. Michael Curi. Litchfield Hills Pediatrics: Leah Drouin PA and Jessie Mangs, PA “ It’s a great program in the community for kids offering them access to healthy living and creating good habits for their future .” Dr. Jessica Magda and Dr. Michael Curi , “We’ve really enjoyed being connected to a grassroots and local program to help foster conversation about how to help kids and families be the best version of themselves .”
Do You want to be a GOLD partner site? Contact Jessica Stewart for more information @ jstewart@how2fitkids.org
Recipe of the Month: Red Potato Salad with Green Beans and Tomatoes
This fresh spin on potato salad is light and colorful thanks to the addition of green beans, tomatoes and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Chilling intensifies the flavors, so make this salad up to one day in advance.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds small red potatoes
- ½ pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped thinly sliced basil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Directions:
1.Place potatoes in a medium saucepan; add water to cover potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until almost tender. Add green beans and cook 5 minutes longer or until beans are crisp-tender. Drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well.
2.Cut potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Combine potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, green onions and basil in a large bowl.
3.Whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, oil, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic in a small bowl. Pour dressing over potato mixture, and toss gently. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.
Nutrition Information: Serving size: 1 cup Serves 8 Calories: 115; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 215mg; Carbohydrates: 22g; Fiber: 3g; Protein: 3g