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Did you know that global estimates show that 1 in 4 adults and 81% of adolescents do not engage in enough physical activity? It is important that kids engage in physical activity to help reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, improve cognition, and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.1 It is recommended that school-age children and adolescents (6-17 yrs) should engage in 60 minutes or 1 hour of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity each day. 1 This includes aerobic activities 3 days each week and strength building activities 3 days a week. 1
To get kids more active and focus on wellness, the month of April is home to Every Kid Healthy Week. Every Kid Health Week takes place from April 25-29th, 2022 and recognizes the actions that families and schools have taken to help improve the health of kids. Below, you can find the themes of this special week!
Mindful Monday April 25th, 2022
Help your kids and students practice mindfulness skills and social emotional health.
Explore imagination
Create calm-down corners
Mindful movement
Breathing exercises
Journaling
Tasty Tuesday April 26, 2022
Help create and maintain healthy eating habits by exploring new foods, healthy cooking, and gardening.
School and/or home gardens
Try one new food each week
Offer balanced meals that include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and heart-healthy fats.3
Offer nutrient-packed snacks, such as yogurt, fruit, string cheese, etc.3
Make sure to stay hydrated by teaching your child to check their urine and keep a water bottle or glass close by. Remember, the lighter the color of your urine, the better!3
Wellness Wednesday April 27th, 2022
Help kids learn what wellness means to them and create self-care techniques
Create a family self-care plan
Spend time outside
Practice healthy behaviors
Plan SMART goals for wellness and health
Thoughtful Thursday April 28th, 2022
Help kids remain thoughtful to themselves and their peers
Create and maintain inspirational learning spaces
Help them understand their feelings
Do one kind thing for someone each day
Fitness Friday April 29th, 2022
Get active!
Limit screen time
Aim for 60 minutes of physical activity each day (walking, sports, recreational play, etc.)
Incorporate walking programs at school
References:
Every kid healthy week. Action for Healthy Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved March 11, 2022, from https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/get-involved/every-kid-healthy-week/