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Building Healthy Communities: Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools

09/03/2025

Looking for an easy way to stay active as a family? Try a post-dinner walk challenge! 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

Whether it’s around your block, through a trail, or even indoors on a rainy day, walking is a great low-impact activity for all ages.
Not only does it boost your mood and energy, but it also creates time to talk, connect, and unwind after a busy day. 🌇✨
Turn it into a game—see how many leaves you can count or who spots the most animals! Moving together makes healthy living fun and sustainable.

09/02/2025

As the mornings get cooler, start your day with a cozy bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal! 🍎🍂

This heart-healthy breakfast is full of fiber, antioxidants, and natural sweetness from fresh apples. It’s a great way to keep kids and adults energized through busy mornings.
🍏 Quick tip: Use steel-cut oats for more texture and long-lasting energy, and top with a sprinkle of walnuts for a brain-boosting bonus!
Getting creative with seasonal ingredients is a fun (and tasty) way to support your health. Ingredients (Serves 2–3):
1 cup rolled oats (or steel-cut oats for chewier texture)

2 cups milk or water (or a mix of both)

1 medium apple, diced (peeled if preferred)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)

Pinch of salt

Optional toppings: chopped walnuts, chia seeds, raisins, extra apple slices

Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, bring milk/water to a gentle boil.

Stir in oats, diced apples, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–10 minutes (longer for steel-cut oats), stirring occasionally.

When the oats are creamy and apples are soft, remove from heat.

Stir in maple syrup or honey if desired.

Serve warm with toppings of your choice!

09/01/2025

Hello, September! 🍂 A new month is the perfect chance to reset and refocus on what matters most—our health and well-being. Whether it's planning more balanced meals, making time to move your body, or adding moments of calm into your routine, small steps can make a big difference. Let’s use these next few weeks before fall is in full swing to prioritize healthy habits for the whole family.

08/29/2025

A new month coming up means a fresh batch of seasonal fruits and veggies that are packed with nutrients and flavor! Eating what's in season supports your health, saves money, and makes meals more exciting.

Here are some of September’s seasonal stars:
🍎 Apples – crisp, fiber-rich, and perfect for snacks or baking
🌽 Sweet corn – a tasty side dish or salad topper
🥬 Kale – full of vitamins A, C, and K
🍇 Grapes – sweet, hydrating, and easy to pack for school lunches
🍐 Pears – soft, juicy, and great in oatmeal or yogurt
🥒 Cucumbers – refreshing and great for back-to-school lunchboxes
🥕 Carrots – crunchy and full of beta-carotene for healthy eyes

Tip: Bring your kids to the farmers market or grocery store and let them help pick out produce. It’s a great way to get them excited about trying new fruits and veggies!

08/26/2025

As kids head back to school, one of the best things you can do as a parent is to start meaningful daily check-ins. Even just 5–10 minutes a day to ask open-ended questions like:
- “What was something fun you did today?”
- “Was anything challenging or confusing?”
- “How did you feel at school today?”

These simple conversations help kids process their day, feel supported emotionally, and build confidence in sharing their thoughts.

Make it a habit during the ride home, at dinner, or before bed—whatever fits your family’s rhythm. A little connection each day can make a big difference! 🧠❤️

08/20/2025

Help kids build a fit mindset with this fun and interactive lesson from Sanford Health!

A "fit" mindset is all about having the energy and motivation to make healthy choices—like eating nutritious foods and staying active. This lesson breaks it down into four easy-to-understand parts:
🔋 Recharge
😊 Mood
🍎 Food
🏃‍♀️ Move

Students will learn how each part connects and works together to support a healthy lifestyle—physically and mentally.

Perfect for classrooms or at-home learning!

Link: https://fit.sanfordhealth.org/units/u11-k2-having-a-fit-mindset-leads-to-healthy-choices/u11l1-k2-your-mood-and-your-mindset?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=240922083&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--gu2fT8lS3pttUg9pwvO4ZPptw6OsOalw-x9gsd-ytqkjbW_qh8NzG3GfkcgLSpYiyGCyZmWVyEzBn3onFpvTrTjObZw&utm_content=240924105&utm_source=hs_email

08/18/2025

It’s National Fajita Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a sizzling plate of colorful, flavorful fajitas the whole family can enjoy! Fajitas are a great way to pack in protein and veggies—plus they’re quick to make and totally customizable!

Here is a healthy chicken & veggie fajitas recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thin
- 1 red, 1 yellow, and 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- Whole wheat or low-carb tortillas
- Optional toppings: avocado, Greek yogurt, salsa, cilantro

Instructions:
- Toss chicken with spices and half the lime juice. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high. Sauté chicken until fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes).
- Add peppers and onions, cooking until tender-crisp (about 4–5 minutes).
- Squeeze remaining lime juice over the mixture.
- Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite healthy toppings!

08/15/2025

Celebrate the end of summer with fun family activities! 🌻👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Summer is winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to soak up the sunshine and make lasting memories! Here are some playful, simple activities perfect for kids and families to enjoy these last sunny days:

- Go for a family bike ride or scooter adventure around the neighborhood
- Host a colorful picnic with fresh seasonal fruits and snacks
- Set up a sidewalk chalk art contest—let creativity run wild!
- Explore local parks or nature trails and turn it into a scavenger hunt
- Have a water balloon fight or sprinkler playdate to stay cool and active

These moments of laughter and play not only bring joy but also keep kids moving, exploring, and connecting with loved ones.

08/12/2025

Back-to-School Season is Almost Here! ✏️🍎

The last few weeks of summer are flying by, and soon the kiddos will be headed back to the classroom! This transition can bring excitement—and a little stress—for both kids and parents. Here are some tips to help make the shift smoother for your family:

- Establish a consistent bedtime routine early to help kids adjust their sleep schedule before school starts.
- Plan simple, nutritious breakfasts and lunches to fuel their day and keep energy steady.
- Create a visual schedule or calendar so kids know what to expect and feel more in control.
- Encourage open conversations about any worries or excitement they might have—validation helps them feel supported.
- Set up a designated homework and study space free of distractions to boost focus.

08/07/2025

Happy National Pickleball Day!

Looking for a fun way to get moving that the whole family can enjoy? Pickleball is where it’s at! This fast-growing sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong—making it easy to learn and exciting to play.

Why try pickleball for your next workout?
- Boosts cardiovascular health
- Improves balance and agility
- Enhances hand-eye coordination
- Great for all ages and fitness levels
- Encourages social connection and outdoor fun

Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying it for the first time, grab a paddle and a ball, and get ready to move, laugh, and make memories.

08/04/2025

Who says cookies can’t be both delicious and nutritious? On National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, try this easy, healthier recipe that your whole family will love—made with wholesome ingredients and just the right amount of sweet.

Ingredients (makes about 12 cookies):
- 1 cup oat flour (or blend rolled oats into flour)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cacao)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk oat flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix coconut oil, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips (and nuts if using).
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto baking sheet, flatten slightly with fingers.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool completely before enjoying

08/01/2025

Make the most of these last few weeks before school starts by building healthy habits as a family! Try colorful fruits and veggies, stay active with outdoor play or dance parties, and soak up the summer fun while feeling your best! ☀️

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Detroit, MI

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http://bhcwsu.org/

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