Fit Together Highlights
2026 HEAL Grant Applications
Fit Together is excited to offer a $10,000 grant for Health Eating Active Living (HEAL) initiatives in Torrington and Winchester. Get all the details on our 2026 HEAL Grant Application page. And please share with any non-profits who could use these funds. Applications are due by August 14, 2026.
An Olympic Event at Torrington Intermediate School!
In June, Fit Together Steering Committee Member, Eric Mahar successfully led the first annual Olympic Field Day at Torrington Intermediate School. At the beginning of 2026, Fit Together members brainstormed plans for this fun, physical activity and served as volunteers on the day of the event. And, WOW, did Eric and his physical education colleagues, Andrea Jones and Alexis Murphy (pictured above with Eric) deliver a memorable day for their students!
The multidisciplinary, Olympics-themed event combined history, art, and music with physical education. Students chose their representative country, learned about its history, and created a flag. They then signed up to compete in events, including the 100-yard dash, shot put, discus, javelin, volleyball, soccer, and basketball. Again, delving into the history of these events, while also training for them in physical education class.
On the day of the “Olympics,” each “country” rotated through the 7 events, followed by a picnic-style lunch outside. Afterwards, the “countries” marched through the hallways to a closing ceremony, proudly waving their flags. As they entered the gymnasium, the school orchestra played the Olympic theme music, and the day’s enthusiasm culminated in gold, silver, and bronze medals being awarded in each grade. Eric noted that, “The students went crazy when their country was announced as the winner. It was truly inspiring to see the kids come together as classes to represent their countries.”
The event was such a success that plans are underway to make it an annual tradition. Congratulations to everyone involved in creating such joy and enthusiasm for physical activity!
Krazy Kids Run at Camp Moe!
Also in June, our partners at the Northwestern Connecticut YMCA hosted their annual Krazy Kids One Mile Obstacle Run at Camp Moe in Torrington. Fit Together volunteers were on hand to cheer on the courageous kids as they battled through the challenging course. [Image courtesy of NWCT YMCA. See more event photos on their Facebook page.]
Healthy Activities in July
Fit Together members and partners are always hosting free, healthy activities throughout Northwest Connecticut. Check out July’s featured events, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates:
- 7/8, 7/15, 7/22; 6:30 pm, Free Yoga at Manor Playground in Winsted* – Enjoy free yoga with Anna Rose at the corner of Oakdale Ave and Glendale Ave. Wednesdays until 7/22. Bring a yoga mat, blanket, or towel. No registration needed. [See Flyer (PDF) for details.]
- 7/8, 7/15, 7/22; 4:30 pm, Free Yoga at Coe Memorial Park in Torrington* – A 6-week all-levels yoga series (until 8/12) led by Sanctuary Power Yoga. Bring your mat, friends, and family! [See Graphic (jpg) for more info.]
- 7/8, 7/15, 7/22; 5:00 pm, Free Community Walks in Winsted – Join Winsted Recreation for Wednesday evening walks on the Sue Grossman Greenway. Meet at the DMV parking lot. [See Flyer and follow Winsted Recreation Facebook for updates.]
* Free yoga is made possible through generous funding from Hartford HealthCare Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.
If you have a healthy event to share, please let us know at fittogether@how2fitkids.org.
Kids’ Corner – Skin Protection for Kids
July brings lots of outdoor fun! This can be beneficial as kids are participating in more healthy activities. But, like all good things, we must use caution. A child’s young skin is prone to sun damage and bites from pesky bugs like mosquitos and ticks. Fear not! The following expert guides will help you protect the kids in your life.
Educate Children on Skin Health
Kids, like adults, do well with routine. If you teach your children habits that protect their skin, they are more likely to avoid pitfalls like painful sunburn or irritating bites.
- Get Protective Gear – Let kids pick out a favorite hat and sunglasses. And remind them that wearing those items helps them avoid the sting of sunburn.
- Make Sunscreen Routine – Encourage sunscreen application every time your child is in their swimsuit. Make it part of their routine by reminding them to grab a towel AND their sunscreen.
- Keep Bugs Away – Similarly, teach kids the importance of having bug repellent applied by an adult before spending time in wooded or grassy areas. And, make sure there are no areas of standing water near your home, as those are breeding grounds for mosquitos.
- Take Time for Tick Checks – Have your children come to you after time spent outdoors, so you can make sure they don’t have any critters on them. [For more, see “How to Remove a Tick” from the American Academy of Pediatrics.]
Healthy Sunscreen Use for Kids
***Sunscreen is not recommended for babies 6 months old or younger. Infants should be kept covered with a hat and/or shaded carrier, especially during midday sun. For all other ages, a child’s exposed skin should be covered in broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 at least 15 minutes before going into the sun. Sunscreen spray is not recommended because it can be inhaled and may not cover completely. Find more information below:
- How to Choose and Use Sunscreen – a helpful guide from Nemours KidsHealth.
- Sunscreen Safety – The Facts – a Dermatologist dismisses the fears of sunscreen-use in this article from The Skin Cancer Foundation.
- Top-Rated Baby & Kids Sunscreens – A list of the top sunscreens for kids according to the Environmental Working Group. Also, find their full Sunscreen Guide.
- Sunscreen Basics – Find the latest information and FAQs on sunscreen from the US Food and Drug Administration.
Choosing an Insect Repellent for Kids
***Insect repellent use is tricky since there are risks to both using and avoiding it. Most repellents are not suggested for direct contact with an infant’s skin. And keeping bug spray away from a child’s hands is also essential, as they are prone to put their fingers in their mouths. The following guides offer support, but caregivers should always consult with a trusted pediatrician.
- How to Choose an Insect Repellent for Your Child – Learn the basics of both chemical and natural bug repellents from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Find the Repellent that is Right for You – a search tool from the EPA.
- EWG’s Guide to Bug Repellents – a bug spray guide for all ages from the Environmental Working Group.
Worksite Wellness Tip – Skin Check
July is “UV Awareness” month with the American Academy of Dermatology Association. With so much activity taking place outdoors in this sunny, summer month, it is certainly a good time to focus on skin protection.
Given that melanoma (skin cancer) is one of the most common cancer diagnoses in the country, the risk is very real. But treatment is often successful if caught early, making prevention and detection important. Review this month’s resources and share with your colleagues, family, and friends to help keep everyone safe this summer.
Sun Safety Basics
- Use Sunscreen – Apply a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 before going into the sun. A daily moisturizer that includes sunscreen is especially helpful for delicate facial skin.
- Stay Covered – Wear clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to avoid direct rays.
- Stay Shaded – Seek shady or covered spots (like under an umbrella or near trees.)
- Avoid Peak Sun Hours – Try to avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, or be extra mindful of covering up during these times.
Skin Cancer Prevention
- Skin Cancer Risk Factors – Review the risk factors for skin cancer and access the Melanoma Risk Assessment Tool from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Sun Safety Guide – a helpful summary of tips on staying safe in the sun from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Skin Cancer Prevention – 10 tips from The Skin Cancer Foundation
Skin Cancer Detection
***Always see a dermatologist for an annual skin check. And, use the following tools to monitor your skin in between.
- Perform a Skin Self-Exam – Learn how to perform a skin self-exam from the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
- What Skin Cancer Looks Like – Review images of skin cancer and download The Skin Cancer & Protection Infographic [PDF] from the American Academy of Dermatology Association to share in your workplace.
Healthy Recipes – Eating for Healthy Skin
Last month we talked about the MIND Diet for better brain health. This month we’re focusing on your skin. As the largest organ, your skin’s health depends on the nutrients you consume. Let’s explore some of the best foods and drinks for beautiful, healthy skin, and try some easy recipes too.
Foods and Drinks for Healthy Skin
The general prescription for a healthy skin follows the Mediterranean Diet [PDF Guide] and includes:
- Antioxidant-Rich Foods & Drink – fruits and vegetables, beans, cocoa, coffee, and tea.
- Herbs & Spices – naturally high in antioxidants, herbs and spices deserve to be a category of their own, as there are so many that can support skin health, both topically and by adding them to meals. For example, rosemary (and rosemary oil) has properties that can protect the skin from UV-rays. [Learn more about Herbs & Spices in our March newsletter.]
- Vitamin A & Carotenoids – vitamin-A rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, and spinach, along with foods high in lycopene, such as tomatoes and parsley, have all been shown to help protect the skin from sun damage.
- Healthy Fats (Omega 3s) – the fatty acids in nuts, avocados, seeds, fatty fish (salmon), olives, and olive oil reduce inflammation and keep skin supple.
- Avoiding Sugar and Processed or Packaged Foods – processed, packaged, and sugary foods all lead to inflammation, which causes premature aging of the skin.
- Limiting Dairy – consuming large quantities of dairy products has been associated with acne, likely due to the hormones in milk. Choosing organic dairy products could minimize this issue.
- Ample Water Intake – Getting plenty of water helps maintained skin’s hydration. Water intake is important, but consuming juicy foods like cucumber, watermelon, celery, and leafy greens also helps.
Other nutrients that are beneficial for skin healthy include amino acids, vitamins C, D & E, and zinc. [Learn more at “How Diet Affects Your Skin: Foods That Help and Hurt” from the Illinois Dermatology Institute.]
Recipe for Healthy Skin
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos – This delicious dish pairs chicken with herbs, spices, tomatoes, spinach, and berries for a burst of skin-loving nutrients.
Find more suggestions at “20 Dinner Recipes That Will Leave Your Skin Radiant” from EatingWell.com
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