Healthy students are better learners and thinkers. Living Healthy in Washington County supports best practices and collaborations through school wellness initiatives focusing on: Physical well-being, Social-emotional well-being, Establishing a wellness culture, Family-friendly school wellness policies, and Employee connections.
51% or less of respondents were physically active at least 60 minutes 5 or more days during the last week
24% of 9th grade males and 15% of 9th grade females are overweight or obese
53% of students reported eating a fruit
once a day and 46% reported eating a vegetable once a day in the last week
⇒ Assist schools in developing or implementing school wellness policies
⇒ Support policy, system or environmental changes within schools and communities around healthy youth development
Healthier students are better learners, and with students spending several hours a day in the school setting, teachers and counselors are often best positioned to encourage physical activity throughout the day. Incorporating movement into a student’s day has been shown to increase behavior focus and some measures of health. Read more.
Living Healthy in Washington County offers schools the support they may need to make changes that will help them meet USDA standards for what kids eat at school.
Children spend more time in schools than in any other environment away from home, and healthy students come to school ready to learn. Schools that follow the national recommendations to offer healthy breakfast and lunch, and more opportunities to eat nutritious snacks through vending machines, classroom celebrations, concessions, or school stores helps students stay focused on academics.
Resources:
⇒ Action for Healthy Kids School Grant Program
⇒ Action for Healthy Kids
⇒ Federal Register: The Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010
⇒ Food Family Farming Foundation
⇒ Fuel Up to Play 60
⇒ Healthier US School Challenge
⇒ Minnesota Department of Education Healthy Eating
⇒ Minnesota School Nutrition Association
⇒ My Plate
⇒ Power Up
⇒ Tray Talk
Students who are physically active are stronger, have healthier bodies, experience reduced stress, and have increased self-esteem. Exercise can also help control weight and may enhance academic performance.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that youth ages 6–17 participate in at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Schools can promote physical activity through comprehensive school physical education and sport programs, recess, walk/bike to school programs, active classrooms, and physical activity clubs and sports.
Physical activity for students can take place before, during, or after the school day. Schools can support these opportunities in a number of ways.
