Fit Together Highlights
HEAL Grant Update – Planting Seeds of Health
We are excited to share an update on our 2025 HEAL Grant recipient, McCall Behavioral Health Network! Their Healthy Eating and Gardening Group is well underway. In the first phase of this program, staff worked with Master Gardener Mary Guilfoile to prepare their new on-site garden beds for growing a bounty of fresh, healthy herbs.
As the program progresses, residents of the Carnes Weeks Center in Torrington will be actively engaged in the gardening process, learning how to plant, maintain, and harvest their very own fresh foods. They will also learn how to incorporate these ingredients into healthy meals alongside the center’s chef, Alex Long. We can’t wait to see what grows!
Please Help Us Grow!
Speaking of growing! Fit Together is a volunteer-based health collaborative. We share trustworthy, research-based Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) resources and healthy activities in Northwest Connecticut. And we need YOUR help to expand our reach. You can support us in several easy ways:
- By sharing the Fit Together Flyer with your friends and networks.
- By subscribing to our newsletter (just enter your email in the box at the bottom of this page.)
- By following us on Facebook and Instagram and liking and sharing our materials.
Thank you for your support!
Kids’ Corner – Understanding Food Allergies
Food allergy awareness is important for anyone who cares for children. With 1 in 13 children in the U.S. having a food allergy, it is likely that you know a child impacted. Furthermore, evidence shows that by introducing some allergens early, we may be able to prevent allergies from developing. Learn more through this month’s resources.
Food Allergies in Kids – The Basics
- A food allergy is when the immune system reacts to a food as if it were harmful. [See What is a Food Allergy?]
- The most common food allergens are milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame.
- Food allergy symptoms can include skin issues (rashes, hives, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat); respiratory issues (trouble breathing or wheezing); and/or digestive issues (stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea).
- Allergy symptoms usually occur within minutes of ingesting a food, but they can also be delayed by up to 2-3 hours.
- FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) states that “up to 81% of peanut allergies are preventable with early introduction.” See their “Eat Early, Eat Often” Campaign for more information.
Resources for Food Allergies in Kids
- Kids With Food Allergies (KFA) – a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) offering allergy-friendly recipes, research, an online community, and tools for children/families with food allergies.
- Food Allergies in Children – updated information from the American Academy of Pediatrics, including how to diagnose and treat food allergies in children.
- Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) – Children with Food Allergies – information and support for anyone with food allergies.
- Navigating Food Allergies in Young Children – a guide on complementary feeding from the Infant Risk Center at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
- Food Allergies in Schools – guidelines and resources from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies In Schools and Early Care and Education Programs [PDF] – a detailed manual on managing food allergies in schools from the CDC.
- Food Allergy Awareness Toolkit [PDF] – while the awareness campaign runs 5/10-5/16 this year, this information from FARE is helpful year-round.
Worksite Wellness Tip – Exercise for Better Mental Health
In May we honor both National Physical Fitness and Sports AND Mental Health Awareness. This is an excellent combination given that research overwhelmingly shows that physical fitness is one of the best ways to improve mental health and overall well-being.
We know we’ve mentioned this topic before – In our January’s Worksite Wellness Tip – Move More and on our Physical Activity page. But it can’t be emphasized enough. When we move our bodies, we increase positive endorphins that lead us to feeling better mentally, emotionally, and physically. This month’s collection of resources includes physical fitness tools and mental health resources that can be shared at your workplace.
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month Resources
The following resources come from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP):
- Move Your Way Community Resources – a collection of physical activity tools including campaign materials, a community playbook, and a promotion toolkit.
- Move Your Way Mini-Site – get physical activity recommendations and ideas for adults based on age.
- Move Your Way Interactive Activity Planner – find activity suggestions customized to your interests.
Northwest Connecticut Mental Health Resources
- NAMI – Connecticut – resources, events, and Peer Based Support Lines.
- Mental Health Resources (from McCall Behavioral Health) – a comprehensive list of CT and national resources including support for adolescents, LGBTQIA+, suicide prevention, and more.
- Mental Health Connecticut – a resource for mental health services, advocacy, and education.
- Addiction Support Resources (from the Litchfield County Opiate Task Force) – a database of support programs for addiction recovery in Litchfield County.
Mental Health Resources (National)
- Mental Health Awareness Month Resources (from the National Council for Mental Well-Being) – find resources for advocacy and support.
- Mental Health First Aid – get the tools for recognizing and supporting someone experiencing a mental health or a substance use challenge. Programs are available online or throughout CT.
- NAMI – support and advocacy tools from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
**Anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis can call 988 (suicide and crisis lifeline) for immediate support. **
Healthy Recipes – Going Gluten-Free
May is Celiac Awareness Month, making it the ideal time to understand the role of a gluten-free diet. A protein commonly found in wheat, rye, and barley, gluten can wreak havoc on the health of some individuals. Following are some quick facts, the basics of the gluten-free diet, gluten-free recipes, and more information on celiac disease.
Celiac Disease / Gluten Facts
- An estimated 1% of Americans have celiac disease, an autoimmune condition in which gluten damages the small intestines, thereby impairing digestion.
- Approximately 6% of the population has non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which also leads to symptoms.
- Gluten can cause over 200 symptoms, from common digestive issues like diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, vomiting, or mouth sores, to more confusing issues such as fatigue, rashes, depression, and anxiety.
- If you have any of these symptoms it is important to consult a healthcare provider BEFORE going gluten-free, as the tests for celiac require gluten be present in the diet.
The Gluten-Free Diet
Going gluten-free means:
- Avoiding rye, barley, and wheat, and choosing only oats certified as gluten-free.
- Consuming unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, seafood, dairy, beans, legumes, and nuts.
- Reading food labels for gluten and gluten-containing ingredients.
Gluten-Free Recipe Sites
- Gluten- Free Recipes (from BeyondCeliac.org) – a large collection of gluten recipes by meal. There is even a section of Gluten-Free Recipes for Kids
- Gluten-Free Recipes (from the National Celiac Association)
- Gluten-Free Recipes (from Eating Well)
Celiac Disease Resources
- Celiac Disease Foundation – Celiac.org
- Beyond Celiac – BeyondCeliac.org
- National Celiac Association – NationalCeliac.org
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