When thinking of Health and Wellness, we often consider diet and nutrition or the benefits of exercise. But, how about art? With our latest art contest, “Love Your Health,” we asked students in East Cobb to draw or paint about mental, emotional, or physical health. The goal was to see how students interpret what the importance of health means to them. All primary grade entries have been on display since Valentine’s Day in the children’s area at the Mountain View Regional Library. You can view all upper grade entries on display the first half of March. The thoughtful interpretation of the theme and creativity are remarkable!
In addition to sponsoring the Love Your Health art contest, the East Cobb County Council of PTAs (ECCC PTA) encourages families, teachers, and coaches in the community to get involved with students’ health and wellness at home, in the classroom, and on the court or field. Here are a few ideas:
- Encourage your kids to put down their electronic devices and go outdoors to play. Go to the park, visit an apple orchard, walk on a nature trail, or play in the backyard. Studies show that playing outside provides Vitamin D, promotes problem-solving skills, and stimulates the imagination, all while increasing physical activity. Unstructured play in nature is important to our youth.
- Join your school PTA to make a difference in healthier prizes and fundraisers school wide. Classroom teachers, PTA committees, and After-School Clubs are always looking for incentives for students, so why not help provide resources that include exercise, healthy treats, or non-edible rewards? How about tickets to a game, front row seats at a school assembly, or free admission to the school Fall Festival or Spring Fling? Many fundraisers sell non-edible items like home fragrance or bath and body products, or they focus on physical activity, such as walking, running, or jumping. Ask for healthier fundraisers, vending options, and concessions. It is helpful to send a consistent message that a healthy lifestyle is important at your school.
- Ask to join in on the next Wellness Council meeting with your school PE staff, cafeteria manager, school nurse, and principal. The majority of our East Cobb schools have a Wellness Council, and if not, you can help start one at your school. Together you can increase the opportunities students have for proper nutrition, physical activity, and better health. Your cafeteria manager may be willing to help with a healthy taste test during lunch. Your PE staff may need volunteers to organize a walking club before school. You might collaborate in starting or improving your school garden.
- Offer non-edible rewards instead of candy. Students are given sugary snacks as treats and rewards throughout the day, quickly increasing their sugar intake beyond acceptable levels. Encourage your school community to use non-edible rewards instead. Teachers and administrators can offer alternatives such as stickers, extra recess, certificates, badges of honor, VIP status, and special outings that promote exercise. Classroom prize buckets can be filled with school supplies like fun erasers, notebooks, mechanical pencils, colorful pens, flash drives, and bookmarks.
- Participate in school events that promote physical activity, like the school dance, Jump Rope for Heart, school 5K’s, and Walk or Bike to School Day. These events are fun and healthy. Volunteer to help and encourage your children and their friends to attend.
Healthy habits start now. Let’s be leaders in guiding our children to loving their health. In the words of Aristotle, “Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.”
For more information visit, www.ecccpta.org/health.
This article was written by Jennifer Saboura, Health & Wellness Chair for the East Cobb County Council of PTAs. Jennifer is also the Health & Wellness Co-Chair for the Mountain View Elementary PTA. She and her husband reside in East Cobb along with their three sons, students at Mountain View Elementary School.
Reprinted from EAST COBBER’s April 2016 issue
