By Michael Walton, Myvoicedc Health & Fitness Contributor

Hola!  Today we will address the final subject matter of the five part series on giving healthy tips and guidelines to parents for your children to follow.  We will conclude by addressing how your child is eating while at school and how to become involved with making that environment a healthier place for them.  One method of being involved is supporting organizations and programs that push schools to address these issues.  One such program is the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program. 

The Healthy Schools Program (HSP) provides support to schools to create healthier school environments that promote physical activity and healthy eating among students and staff. Schools that create these environments - in the classroom, cafeteria, gym, hallway and playground – can earn national recognition. The HSP is committed to supporting schools that serve resource-constrained and vulnerable populations. According to the independent Preliminary HSP Evaluation, over 90% of HSP schools made a positive change to promote health to their students and staff.  This is a program that has demonstrated great success in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area as can be seen from this statement from Derek McKeiver, the Physical Education instructor at Tree of Life Public Charter School who says “The Healthy Schools Program has showed our School Wellness Council a new direction.  By completing the action plan and meeting regularly, it has allowed the Council to lay a nice foundation.   As the Council grows, we will continue to establish a healthier environment within the Tree of Life community.” 

Getting involved in your child’s School Wellness Council is another way to have a direct impact on healthy initiatives.  First find out if your child’s school has a Wellness Council and what the proper steps are to become involved.  If the school does not have one in place you can be a pioneer and assist in getting one started.  Click on the following link for details on how to get it going:  http://www.HealthierGeneration.org/parents.aspx?id=2052.  If you are interested in getting your school involved in the Healthy Schools Program so they too can create a healthier environment for students and staff, feel free to visit www.HealthierGeneration.org/schools.  You can also contact the District of Columbia Relationship Manager for the Healthy Schools Program directly to get more information at (202) 905-3095 or email precious.calloway@HealthierGeneration.org

Basics for a Healthy Lunchbox

When sending your child off to school there are a few essentials that should be in place for their lunch boxes.

-          One serving of vegetables or salad and one serving of fruit (fresh, canned or dried can all count).

-          One serving of a low-fat or fat-free milk or dairy item such as a low-fat cheese stick, a yogurt cup, or some cottage cheese.

-          One serving of meat, chicken, fish, eggs, peanut butter, beans or another protein source.

-          A healthy drink such as water or 100% juice.

Students often consume up to 50% of their daily calories at school.  With that being said snack and beverages options that are presented to students at school are very important.  Contrary to popular thought, school lunch sales do not decline when healthier items are served; and more nutritious foods do not necessarily cost schools more. 

Many more great tips for parents can be found at www.healthiergeneration.org.  There’s a wealth of information there for you to take advantage of.  We’ll be back soon with more exciting tips and information.  Until then, stay focused.  I have my eye on you!