Parent Action for Healthy Kids® in the News
As Parent Action for Healthy Kids® is all about disseminating information, when the information is about our organization we're proud to pass that along too. The following articles have appeared in print or web-based publications. We appreciate their promoting our important cause.
Zeeland Parent Recognized as Grand Prize Winner in Health Champion Hall of Fame Contest
Posted May 17th, 2012
Lansing, MI - Amy Sheerhorn, a parent from Lincoln Elementary School, is the grand prize winner in the Michigan Department of Education’s Team Nutrition Health Champion Hall of Fame. Sheerhorn was recognized for her involvement in shaping new health standards for snacks during school fundraisers and parties at Lincoln Elementary School.
Amy has helped make healthier changes in the school possible by being an active member of a parent advisory group that has implemented healthy snack alternatives in the schools snack shack. Not only is Amy recognized for standing as a strong health advocate in food programs at Lincoln Elementary School, but she also leads the Walk It school wide walking program, and has successfully engaged students to participate in the program events.
“With Amy’s passion for building a healthy lifestyle for our youth, and support of our school, the parent advisory group was able to bring healthy snack alternatives to Lincoln Elementary food programs,” said Kelly Adkins, who nominated Scheerhorn for Health Champion Hall of Fame induction. “Thanks to Amy’s dedication and continuous advocating, students at our elementary school can choose nutritious snacks, and get involved in programs that promote physical activity. She not only is helping create a healthier school environment, but she is leaving a positive impact on the lives of all the students.”
Because of Sheerhorn’s dedication to making healthy the easy choice for students at Lincoln Elementary School and as a reward for induction into the Michigan Team Nutrition Health Champion Hall of Fame, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan has made it possible for students at Lincoln Elementary to be treated to an afternoon with Former Detroit Lions All-pro, Herman Moore. Moore will be onsite at the school on May 21, 2012 teaching students how to make a healthy “Power Smoothie” during their lunch time.
The Michigan Team Nutrition Health Champion Hall of Fame, which began in March, sought out nominations of parents who do their best to bring healthy options to students while they are at school.
“We are thrilled to honor Amy Sheerhorn as the 2012 Health Champion grand prize winner,” said Nick Drzal, Michigan Team Nutrition Co-Director. “It is parents like Amy that shape a healthy future for our students, and empower the rest of the community to get involved, and become health advocates as well.”
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About Michigan Team Nutrition
Michigan Team Nutrition is funded through a United States Department of Agriculture grant awarded to the Michigan Department of Education. It is a national initiative designed to motivate, encourage, and empower schools, families and the community to work together to continually improve school meals and to make food and physical activity choices for a healthy lifestyle. It is a team effort that involves schools, families, and the community in providing nutrition education to kids. Join Michigan Team Nutrition on facebook www.facebook.com/MichiganTeamNutrition and follow them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TeamNutritionMI
# # #
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Lisa Gill
lgill@lambert-edwards.com
517.316.0210
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Rockford Parent Recognized as Runner Up in Health Champion Hall of Fame Contest
Posted May 17th, 2012
Lansing, MI – Dana Kraus has been recognized as the runner up in the Michigan Department of Education’s Team Nutrition Health Champion Hall of Fame. Kraus was recognized for her dedication to creating healthy environments through healthy fundraising tactics at Lakes Elementary School in Rockford.
Kraus, along with the Lakes Elementary PTO, created a fundraiser called “Move n’ Groove”. The walk-a-thon encouraged students to make healthy choices and lead active lifestyles. Students collected donations to Move’n Groove around a track at the school. The walk-a-thon was made extra special and fun for students with music, hula-hoops, limbo, and other fun activities around the course. The fundraiser raised $14,500 to support classroom grants, library books, assemblies, DARE, musical adventures and other programs.
“Fundraising is important to most schools, but more important is the health and wellness of our students and staff,” said Jennifer Olsen, who nominated Kraus for Health Champion Hall of Fame induction. “Dana’s ingenuity allowed Lakes Elementary to combine both fundraising and wellness into one successful and fun event. This is an event we will continue for years to come.”
The Michigan Team Nutrition Health Champion Hall of Fame, which began in March, sought out nominations of parents who do their best to bring healthy options to students while they are at school.
“We are excited that we have the chance to recognize Dana for her commitment and enthusiasm to creating healthy environments for young people,” said Nick Drzal, Michigan Team Nutrition Co-Director. “Dana and Lankes Elementary are setting a great example for schools everywhere.”
About Michigan Team Nutrition
Michigan Team Nutrition is funded through a United States Department of Agriculture grant awarded to the Michigan Department of Education. It is a national initiative designed to motivate, encourage, and empower schools, families and the community to work together to continually improve school meals and to make food and physical activity choices for a healthy
-more-
lifestyle. It is a team effort that involves schools, families, and the community in providing
nutrition education to kids. Join Michigan Team Nutrition on facebook www.facebook.com/MichiganTeamNutrition and follow them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TeamNutritionMI
# # #
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Contact: Lisa Gill
lgill@lambert-edwards.com
517.316.0210
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Give Yourself the Gift of Sleep this Mother’s Day
Posted May 11th, 2012
The other day a friend of mine and mother of three posted on her Facebook page: “The morning is starting off all wrong, I overslept this morning.” I posted back: “I would say it is starting off right! Sleep is essential. Your body is just reminding you of that!”
According to the American Heart Association, long term lack of sleep contributes to obesity. When you sleep less, you burn fewer calories and less fat. Additionally, a Harvard study shows that a sleep deprived person has a greater tendency to crave and eat high-calorie foods.
Consider what your body is telling you. Are you sleepy mid day and need an extra dose of caffeine; when gassing up your car are you gassing up your body with a candy bar or bag of chips; are you irritable with your partner, kids or work colleagues; too tired to work out; or do you have trouble concentrating?
Sadly we are under the illusion that by staying up past our bedtime we can be on top of things and be organized for the next day. You might be organized, but at what cost? Somewhere along the line our thinking has gotten off track. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night is not a luxury, it is an essential!
There are enormous benefits to you and your family when you get a sufficient amount of sleep each night. For instance, they will learn that family life is not about perfection and order, but about everyone doing their part so there will be more time to enjoy life and have some fun! Even though our kids might complain when they have to pitch in, it does give them a sense of accomplishment and belonging which is a great self-esteem builder. The greatest benefit is they will have the memory of a happy Mom!
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to start practicing one of the essentials to a long and happy life….sleep! Go ahead, put that “Mommy is Sleeping” sign on your bedroom door and have a great Mother’s Day!
Tips to Help Parents Discuss Sex Education with Their School Administrators
Posted May 7th, 2012
Parents are the primary source of their child’s sexuality education. That is why it is essential that parents and schools work together to ensure that consistent messages reach our kids. Parent Action for Healthy Kids releases these important tips to help parents discuss sex education with their school administrators.
The goal of sex education in school and at home is to help our young people develop a positive view of sexuality, provide them with information to take care of their emotional and physical health, and help them develop skills to make healthy decisions now and in the future.
Parents are the primary educator of their child’s sexuality education. That is why it is essential that parents and schools work together to ensure that consistent messages reach our youth. The most important predictors of the current and future health status of our young people are consistent messages from home, school, and community coupled with knowledge, skills and the belief that one can use the skills to change one’s life.
When it comes to sex education, most parents do want the schools help in teaching their children. Parents realize there are many health risks associated with sexual activity including HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancy. Parents don’t feel equipped to do the job alone.
Parents often assume that sex education is being taught early and often. This is not always the case. School administrators need to hear from parents about what they would like to see included in their schools’ curriculum.
Elementary
This is a time when students’ bodies start to change as they move into adolescence. Signs of puberty are hair growth in new places, menstruation, body odor, lower voice in boys, and breast growth in girls. Today, kids are exposed to so much information about sex and relationships on television and the internet even before puberty. Often this information is not reliable and gives mixed messages. This is why instruction in school and discussions at home that are accurate and complement each other are essential.
Middle School & High School
As students approach the teen years, physical and emotional changes become more dramatic and complicated. It is common for kids to compare themselves with their peers and have a strong desire to fit in. The adolescent brain is struggling to grow, interact, connect and develop during the teen years. This is why just teaching facts or “just say no” is not enough. Along with the facts, adolescents need to learn and practice skills to keep them safe. Instruction that includes skill building such as communication, negotiation and refusal skills is critical.
Parents, here are some things you can do:
1. Meet with the principal to find out what is currently being taught.
2. Contact your school and encourage them to survey parents and find out what topics they want taught at specific levels.
3. Volunteer to serve on the school health advisory committee.
4. Work with community organizations to host workshops for parents on the importance of talking with their child about abstinence and sexuality.
Click here for a downloadable version of this document to print and distribute
About me
I'm Barb Flis, parent advocate and Founder of Parent Action for Healthy Kids. I insist that every parent has the power to make a difference. I'm a published expert in advocating for children's health, and most importantly, a mother of two daughters. My focus lies in connecting families, schools and communities on children's social, emotional and physical health. Areas of work include asthma, diabetes, sex education, mental health, school wellness programs, physical activity and nutrition. I design and implement trainings and workshops for parents, teachers, school administrators, public health professionals and community-based organizations. I'm also motivational speaker throughout my home state of Michigan and across the United States.
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10 Questions Parents Can Ask to Ensure a Bully-Free School
Posted April 23rd, 2012
Schools have the responsibility of keeping our children safe during the school day and parents have the right to be a partner in that effort. Parent Action for Healthy Kids has released these 10 important questions for parents to ask the principal to ensure their child's school is bully-free.
Click here to download a printable version of this document to distirbute at school
1. Can parents view a copy of the district’s Anti-Bullying Policy?
Note: A critical section in an anti-bullying policy would cover the procedure for reporting bullying and how the report is investigated by the school.
2. Has the school completed a staff and student survey to assess the level of bullying and other aggressive behavior?
3. Does the school have a team identified to review the survey results and to look at evidence-based solutions that will be sustained long-term?
4. Who is on the team, and does it include a broad representation of parents?
5. Has all staff received training on bullying prevention? This includes every adult who interacts with the children (custodians, bus drivers, secretaries, food service, etc.)
6. Is the training focused on giving adults the skills necessary to intervene effectively with aggression and create a positive environment?
7. Has a behavioral chart (often called a rubric) been developed that lists the consequences earned for choosing aggressive or bullying behavior?
8. What formal instruction are the children receiving on how to behave? In other words, where, and how, is social-emotional skill development being taught? Note: This would generally occur through a comprehensive health education class using curricula such as the Michigan Model for Health® K-12.
9. Does the school use a positive behavior approach to intervening with mean/hurtful behavior (e.g., helping the aggressor reflect on how he/she has caused harm) versus a punitive approach (e.g., suspending)?
10. Does the school offer workshops or resources to help a parent support their child whether they are the target of bullying, the aggressor or the bystander?
Source: Barb Flis, Founder of Parent Action for Healthy Kids, and Kathy Gibson, Safe & Healthy Schools Consultant, Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency
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Barb Flis, Founder of Parent Action for Healthy Kids, understands that every parent has the power to make a difference in their child’s life. Barb is an advocate for parents, a published parenting and children’s health expert and, most importantly, the mother of two daughters. Her focus lies in connecting families, schools and communities for the purpose of promoting the well-being of children’s social, emotional and physical health. Areas of work include sex education, mental health, physical education, nutrition, wellness, asthma, and diabetes. She designs and implements training and workshops for parents, teachers, school administrators, public health professionals and community-based organizations. Also a respected motivational speaker, Barb has presented throughout her home state of Michigan and across the United States. For more information, visit the Parent Action for Healthy Kids website at http://www.parentactionforhealthykids.org.
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