Every Kid Healthy Week: April 24-28, 2017

Follow and join the conversation with #EveryKidHealthy.

Every Kid Healthy Week, hosted by Action for Health Kids (@Act4HlthyKids), is an annual observance created to celebrate school health and wellness achievements. This year communities celebrate the 5th Annual Every Kid Healthy Week highlighting what schools and their partners are doing to improve the health and wellness of their students and the link between nutrition, physical activity and learning. New in 2017, companies and organizations are encouraged to join the fun by hosting a health promoting event for their employees during Every Kid Health Week. All participants should spread the word and share photos of their events on social media using #EveryKidHealthy. It is not too late to join the action and support the cause. We’ve listed some ideas to help you get informed and take part in this worthy celebration.

Action for Healthy Kids
In 2002, Action for Healthy Kids was created in response to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Call To Action To Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity. Since its founding the organization has been instrumental in bringing to light the childhood obesity crisis. Today, Action for Healthy Kids is a leader in this national movement to improve child health, working at the federal and state levels and in school districts and school buildings nationwide. Action for Healthy Kids works year round to “mobilize school professionals, families and communities to take actions that lead to healthy eating, physical activity and healthier schools where kids thrive.”

Get inspired for #EveryKidHealthy Week by this story from last year at Jungman Elementary https://t.co/l5Z7MZ6MxE pic.twitter.com/AZMBGfGQDq

— ActionforHealthyKids (@Act4HlthyKids) April 13, 2017

Cooking Matters
Every Kid Healthy Week emphasizes eating well. Are you overwhelmed at the thought of trying to create and cook healthy meals for yourself or your family? Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to browse the twitter feed of Cooking Matters (@CookingMatters). Within minutes you will have a variety of easy, healthy, delicious recipes to serve. You will also be inspired to easily substitute healthier options for less healthy ones. Oh, and did we mention that the recipes are all budget friendly as well. After all, the site’s national sponsor is Walmart! While you’re at it be sure to check out the Cooking Matters website to learn more about the organization and all of the important work they do.

Feeling overwhelmed with where to begin your family’s journey to a healthier lifestyle? You’ll be amazed where one small step will lead you. pic.twitter.com/QyrBYQOgB7

— Cooking Matters® (@CookingMatters) April 11, 2017

Parents struggle to keep the junk food out of little mouths
Kids eat what you feed them. Make no mistake about it. If your child is a “bad eater” it is because he or she is served bad food. Not many four year olds are cooking their own chicken nuggets and mac n cheese. While it may be a struggle to provide your kids with healthy foods, Every Kid Healthy Week reminds us it is possible and it is a parent’s responsibility. This article from USA Today provides some guidance for parents to help their kids maintain more nutritious diets.

It’s not Only about Nutrition
Did you know that teens who receive mostly As are almost twice as likely to get the CDC recommended daily 60 minutes of physical activity than teens who receive mostly Ds and Fs? Kids who perform better in school are more likely to be physically active on a regular basis. Adding physical activity to the school day can not only keep kids healthy, but also increase attention, behavior and positive attitudes leading to improved academic performance.

Get Involved
Want to get involved in this year’s Every Kid Healthy Week? Find out how your donation can help kids develop lifelong healthy habits. Volunteer at a school or event nearby and help malnourished communities and kids who have no physical activity in their lives. Join a fundraising event or create your own and raise the necessary funds needed for in school health programs.

Online Webinars
A wide variety of virtual learning opportunities are offered by Action for Healthy Kids. From school breakfast programs and recess before lunch to wellness policy implementation and more, most sessions are of no cost and are open to any interested individual or group. Register for an upcoming webinar or check out one of their archived webinars to find out more.

Simple Way to Show Support
If you have time for nothing else but to simply and easily show your support for Every Kid Healthy Week, go ahead and change your profile pics on all of your social media accounts for the week.

Want to show your support for school health & wellness? Show how you take action w/ our temp profile pic over #EveryKidHealthy Week 4/24-28! pic.twitter.com/dwrRzXkgzN

— ActionforHealthyKids (@Act4HlthyKids) April 18, 2017