School Wellness Zone Program
TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS TO HELP KIDS THRIVE
DID YOU KNOW?
15
of kids get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day
40
of daily calories for kids aged 2-18 come from desserts, soft drinks, and pizza
80
of long-term health is determined not by genes, but by our daily choices
Healthy Habits Take Root When Kids Are Immersed in a Culture Of Wellness
We know that empowering kids with wellness education is only part of the solution—we create school wellness zones by working with schools that are committed to making healthy changes that will help their students thrive.
Sustainable change occurs when it’s integrated into daily routines. Our School Wellness Zone campaign carries learning from the classroom to the cafeteria, engaging students and faculty through colorful posters promoting whole foods and water, taste tests and sampling of new healthy dishes in the cafeteria, "brain breaks" to exercise the mind and body, and an emphasis on incorporating more movement into the day.
A school wellness zone consists of the four pillars of wellness:
- EATING MORE WHOLE FOODS
- WALKING AND MOVING MORE
- MAKING WATER THE BEVERAGE OF CHOICE
- BEING MINDFUL AND STRESSING LESS
Whole foods are the best choice!
We want kids to strive for five servings of fruits and vegetables each day! We work with food service providers to feature healthy, whole food options in their cafeterias and encourage students to try them as well as to include whole foods in their snacks and lunches from home. Whole foods are loaded with the vitamins and nutrients a growing body needs.
- Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of many diseases.
- Eating more whole foods helps to crowd out processed, high-fat and sugary foods.
- Whole foods are loaded with vitamins and nutrients a growing body needs
We were made to move!
And kids require even more exercise than adults. While activity needs vary by age, gender and other factors, 12,000 steps is an ideal daily average for children. We will be offering brain breaks and movement opportunities to students throughout the day. Here are just a few reasons why movement matters so much:
- Promotes healthy weight and strong bones and muscles
- Helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer
- Enhances memory, attention, and judgment skills
Choosing water over sugary drinks.
The average child needs five to eight cups of water per day, and we encourage students to strive for at least five. To support this, we will be providing each student with a water bottle to keep on their desk so they can hydrate throughout the day. Water is essential for the body to carry out many functions and helps in a variety of ways, including:
- Brain function – helps you think more clearly
- Kidney function – flushes toxins out of the body
- Boosts your immune system
- Aids in digestion and in energizing muscles
Being Mindful and Stressing Less.
We provide educators with several mindfulness techniques they can use to help their students to stay calm and focused. Classroom teachers are encouraged to use Mindful Moments during the school day. Studies show that children who practice mindfulness:
- Are more focused in school and have better classroom behavior
- Report feeling less anxious and worried
- Perform better on tests
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WKids Newsletters These monthly newsletters provide practical health tips for busy families. In addition to easy-to-digest information and news about upcoming events, every issue contains a fun family health challenge, links to helpful resources, and delicious recipes.
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