A Special Father's Day Gift to Show You Care

A Gift from the Heart
for the Heart

A Special Father's Day Gift to Show You Care
"Health is the Greatest Gift and Happiness the Greatest Wealth"
1. Print the card and cut along the grey outer border.
2. Fold the card in half. It's about the size of a business card.
3. Place wallet size photos on the blank side of the card.
4. Optional Gifts to place inside:
    Lottery Ticket, Dinner at his Favorite Restaurant, a Day at the Beach,
    Voucher to Wash His Car, Family Picnic, Tickets to a Sporting Event,
    Time Together

Your father will carry around photos of loved ones with health reminders.
A perfect gift for a Special Father.

Sample Outside

Checklist to Stay Healthy

May 29, National Senior Health and Fitness Day

Celebrate the 20th annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day. 100,000 older adults will participate in activities at more than 1,000 locations throughout the U.S. The goal is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. National Senior Health and Fitness Day is the nation's largest annual health promotion event for older adults.

The 2013 Theme, "Think Healthy, Eat Healthy, Act Healthy...Be Healthy!"

Benefits of Getting Older

Global Aging

The Mature Fitness Awards are designed to encourage and recognize regular physical activity among adults age 50, 60, 70, and over. The program offers 25 activities with something for everyone, from beginning exercisers to long-time fitness enthusiasts. Many activities are appropriate (or can be adapted) for disabled participants. When selecting an activity, find one that you enjoy and that fits into your daily or weekly routine so you will be likely to stick with it.

Shopping and nutrition tips
for senior citizens
from Elisa Zeid, MS, RD

Resources and References

to Help Eating Well as We Age

Eating Well as We Age (pdf)

Resources for Seniors from Nutrition.gov

Older Americans Need To Make Every Calorie Count (pdf)

May, National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

The President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN)

The Council was originally founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 as the President’s Council on Youth Fitness. Since its beginning, the Council has been vital in getting Americans physically active through a range of programs, events and initiatives including the establishment of May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

PCFSN was most recently known as the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. On June 10, 2010 President Barack Obama authorized in an Executive Order the name change and expanded the mission of the Council to include “nutrition”.

The Council seeks to promote good health through fitness, sports and nutrition for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through partnerships in national, state and local organizations, programs and initiatives. The Council plays a key role in the development of priorities, outreach and awareness efforts to improve the health and quality of life for all Americans. Among the Council's responsibilities are to encourage:

         1. Regular physical activity
         2. Participation in sports
         3. Healthy eating

The President’s Challenge

The President’s Challenge is the PCFSN signature awards and recognition program and includes the following:

* Youth Physical Fitness Test
* Adult Fitness Test
* Two School Recognition Programs
* Two Physical Activity Awards Programs
*  Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA)

*  Presidential Champions Award, available to people aged 6 and older.

PCFSN utilizes and promotes efforts associated with the following guidelines:

1. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
2. Dietary Guidelines for Americans
3. National Physical Activity Plan

There are many national, regional, state and local programs and initiatives that aim to get Americans active and healthy. Below is a review of three programs: "Let's Move", "Kids Eat Right", and "We Can".

Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the problem of obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams.

Let’s Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping children become more physically active.

First Lady Michelle Obama has been active with many groups in promoting the Let's Move program.

Let's Move! Active Schools Launch
with First Lady Michelle Obama

Beyoncé in partnership with the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) created "Move Your Body" video for the Let's Move! Flash Workout. Here you will find First Lady Michelle Obama making a surprise visit to Alice Deal Middle School to join students in a Lets Move! Flash Workout. Over 600 schools across the country participated in similar workouts at the same time.

Kids Eat Right, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Kids Eat Right supports the efforts of the White House to end the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation.

The goal of Kids Eat Right is to educate families, communities, and policy makers about the importance of quality nutrition. The Kids Eat Right campaign provides resources to help Academy members become recognized leaders in childhood obesity prevention.


We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition) is  a science-based national education program from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We Can helps children ages 8-13 stay at a healthy weight. We Can! offers materials to help caregivers and families encourage children to become more active.

60 Second PSA for We Can!

The We Can! materials provide simple suggestions for easily getting more physical activity.
We Can!® Tools and Resources
We Can! Make Physical Activity Fun
We Can! Try Tips to Eat Well and Move More

Resources

1. President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN)
2. The President’s Challenge
3. Let's Move
4. Kids Eat Right
5. We Can

May, National Bicycle Month

May, National Bicycle Month, Bike to School Day (May 8, 2013) and Bike to Work Day (May 17, 2013) are sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists.

Mission.  To promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.

History. The League was founded as the League of American Wheelmen in 1880. Bicyclists, known then as "wheelmen", were challenged by rutted roads of gravel and dirt and faced antagonism from horsemen, wagon drivers, and pedestrians.

In an effort to improve riding conditions, more than 100,000 cyclists from across the United States joined the League to advocate for paved roads. The success of the League in its first advocacy efforts ultimately led to our national highway system.

Benefits of Bike Riding
People ride bicycles for all sorts of reasons, from better health, to saving money on fuel, and helping the environment. In addition, bike riding is a lot of fun.

Bike Safety - Introduction to Bike Safety 

and Sharing the Road

Danger Rangers Bike Safety PSA

Food Art: Bicycle Built for Two

The song "Bicycle Built for Two" was written in 1892.
The American bicycle history spans over 100 years.

Resource

The League provides education for cyclists, including bicycle safety.To learn more about the League of American Bicyclists, visit their website at http://www.bikeleague.org.

April 29 - May 5, 2013 Screen-Free Week

Screen-Free Week (formerly TV-Turnoff, founded 1994) is an annual event in which parents, children, teachers and others across the country turn off screen media (TV, video games, computers, cell phones, etc.) and celebrate the magic of being unplugged. Screen-Free Week is a program of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood.

Screen-Free Week

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 2 and less than 2 hours per day for older children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents create an electronic-media-free environment in children’s bedrooms.
 

The Benefits of Reduced Screen Time

• Reducing screen time can help prevent childhood obesity.

• Children who spend less time watching television in early years tend to do better in school, have a healthier diet, and are more physically active.

Hazards of Too Much Screen Time

•Adolescents with a television in their bedroom spend more time watching TV and report less

physical activity, less healthy dietary habits, worse school performance, and fewer family

meals.

• Children with a television in their bedroom are more likely to be overweight.

Alternative Activities During Screen-Free Week

• Prepare a family meal together.
• Take a walk in the park.
• Join a family fitness group.
• Plant a vegetable garden or grow a fruit tree. 
• Visit the zoo.
• Plan a picnic or barbecue.
• Go to a museum.
• Take a nature hike.
• Organize a scavenger hunt.
• Learn yoga.
• Go dancing.
• Volunteer for a community or charitable organization

Resources
*American Heart Association, Limit Tube Time and Get Your Kids Moving
*Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood Screen-Free Week Organizer's Kit 
*Family-Friendly Things to Do During Screen-Free Week
*20 Alternatives to Television

Twas the Day After Christmas, a Dietitian's Version

Modified for the Registered Dietitian
by Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LDN

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house

Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd eaten, the eggnog I'd taste

The holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scale there arose such a number!

The scale must be broken, I said with a thunder.

I'd remember the wonderful meals I'd prepared;

The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rare,

The wine and the pastries, the bread and the cheese

And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

Nothing would fit me, I felt so depressed.

I knew it was time to start a new quest.

I picked up the phone, to call a dietitian,

Knowing this path was just the right mission.

I won’t feel guilty, I’ll try moderation,

Fad diets have failed and even starvation.

I’ll follow the plan, set up solely for me,

More Fruits and Veggies are part of the key.

I’ll eat more fiber and exercise I’ll start,

And limit the fat that is bad for my heart.

Yes, I’ll call a dietitian to provide inspiration and

Learn new ways to avoid temptation.

A Happy and Healthy New Year to you.
Remember to eat right and exercise too.

August 21, National Senior Citizen Day

National Senior Citizens Day

On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5847 creating National Senior Citizens Day to be August 21.

On this day, we are encouraged to recognize and show appreciation for the value and contribution of older people to home, family and society. It is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude for what seniors have achieved in their lives and their contributions to our communities.

Things to do with Older Adults
- Spend time together.
- Show our appreciation.
- Volunteer to help.
- Enjoy a walk together.
- Go out for dinner.

If you are a senior citizen, enjoy your day. Make sure to take advantage of senior citizen discounts and specials.

The goal is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. 

Benefits of Getting Older

Global Aging

Shopping and nutrition tips
for senior citizens
from Elisa Zeid, MS, RD

Resources and References

to Help Eating Well as We Age

Eating Well as We Age (pdf)

Resources for Seniors from Nutrition.gov

Exercise with Your Child Week August 5-11, 2012

This week encourages parents and guardians to exercise with their children as part of a healthier lifestyle. Exercise enables children to improve their overall well being, to maintain a healthier weight and to reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Children need 60 minutes of play with moderate to vigorous activity every day, but it doesn't have to be all at once. 

As a parent, you can help shape your child's attitudes and behaviors toward physical activity. Throughout their lives, encourage young people to be physically active for one hour or more each day, with activities ranging from informal, active play to organized sports. Here are some ways you can do this:

•Set a positive example by leading an active lifestyle.

•Make physical activity part of your family's daily routine by taking family walks or participating in active games together.

•Give your children equipment that encourages physical activity.

•Take young people to places where they can be active, such as parks and community centers.

•Be positive about physical activities in which your child participates and encourage them to be interested in new activities.

•Make physical activity fun, such as team sports, individual sports, and recreational activities including walking, running, skating, bicycling, swimming, and playground activities.

•Instead of watching television, encourage your child to find fun activities to do on their own or with friends and family, such as walking, playing chase or riding bikes.

•Be safe! Always provide protective equipment such as helmets, wrist pads or knee pads and ensure that activity is age-appropriate.

Flash Workout with
First Lady Michelle Obama

First Lady Michelle Obama makes a surprise visit to Alice Deal Middle School to join students in a Lets Move! Flash Workout. Over 600 schools across the country participated in similar workouts at the same time.

Sid the Science Kid-Work Your Body
More and more children programs are encouraging
physical activities.

Exercise and the Physically Challenged
Physical activity is important for all children. Get advice from a
professional with experience in physical activity and disability.
They can tell you more about the amounts and types of
physical activity that are appropriate for your child's abilities.

Resources.

Let's Move
We Can

Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011 June 25 - July 4, 2011

Special Olympics

"Special Olympics is about sports but it is also about so much more.  For people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is often the only place where they have an opportunity to participate in their communities and develop belief in themselves. It is inspiring when you see a father’s pride in his son's achievement … a mother's relief when her daughter makes friends … siblings cheering for their brother or sister for the first time."  

2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games are set for Athens, Greece. This event will mark the second World Summer Games in Europe and the third Summer Games held outside the U.S.

 

Words matter. Words can open doors to enable persons with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives. Words can also create barriers or stereotypes that are not only demeaning to persons with disabilities, but also rob them of their individuality. Special Olympics prefers to focus on people and their gifts and accomplishments, and to dispel negative attitudes and stereotypes."

From Special Olympics Terminology

Appropriate Terminology

• Refer to participants in Special Olympics as Special Olympics athletes rather than Special Olympians or Special Olympic athletes.

• Refer to individuals, persons or people with intellectual disabilities, rather than intellectually disabled people or the mentally retarded.

• A person has intellectual disability, rather than is suffering from, is afflicted with or is a victim of intellectual disability.

• Distinguish between adults and children with intellectual disability. Use adults or children, or older or younger athletes.

• A person uses a wheelchair, rather than is confined or restricted to a wheelchair.

• “Down syndrome” has replaced Down’s Syndrome and mongoloid.

• Refer to participants in Special Olympics as athletes. In no case should the word athletes appear in quotation marks.

• When writing, refer to persons with a disability in the same style as people without a disability: full name on first reference and last name on subsequent references. Do not refer to an individual with intellectual disabilities as “Bill” rather than the journalistically correct “Bill Smith” or “Smith”.

• A person is physically challenged or disabled rather than crippled.

• Use the words “Special Olympics” when referring to the worldwide Special Olympics movement.

Terminology to Avoid
• Do not use the label “kids” when referring to Special Olympics athletes. Adult athletes are an integral part of the movement.

• Do not use the word “the” in front of Special Olympics unless describing a specific Special Olympics event or official.

• Do not use the adjective “unfortunate” when talking about persons with intellectual disabilities. Disabling conditions do not have to be life-defining in a negative way.

• Do not sensationalize the accomplishments of persons with disabilities. While these accomplishments should be recognized and applauded, people in the disability rights movement have tried to make the public aware of the negative impact of referring to the achievements of physically or intellectually challenged people with excessive hyperbole.

• Use the word “special” with extreme care when talking about people with intellectual disabilities. The term, if used excessively in references to Special Olympics athletes and activities, can become a cliché.

Become a Volunteer
Volunteering with Special Olympics creates change that carries forth from our Programs and into the world. Whether you’re an individual or a member of a school, church, work, civic or other group; whether you can volunteer for just a few hours on a single day as a scorekeeper, or several hours a week, year-round, as a special events coordinator; there are volunteer opportunities for you.

Support the Special Olympics

Your Gift can change a Life.

Older Americans Month May 25th: National Senior Health and Fitness Day

May is Older Americans Month

2011 Theme: "Older Americans:
Connecting the Community"

Resources and References
to Help Eating Well as We Age

Eating Well as We Age (pdf)

Resources for Seniors from Nutrition.gov

Older Americans Need To Make Every Calorie Count (pdf)

May 25, 2011

National Senior Health and Fitness Day

Celebrate the 18th annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day.100,000 older adults will participate in activities at more than 1,000 locations throughout the U.S. The goal is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. National Senior Health and Fitness Day is the nation's largest annual health promotion event for older adults.

The Mature Fitness Awards are designed to encourage and recognize regular physical activity among adults age 50, 60, 70, and over. The program offers 25 activities with something for everyone, from beginning exercisers to long-time fitness enthusiasts. Many activities are appropriate (or can be adapted) for disabled participants. When selecting an activity, find one that you enjoy and that fits into your daily or weekly routine so you will be likely to stick with it.

Shopping and nutrition tips for senior citizens,
from Elisa Zeid, MS, RD

Gotta Dance The Movie captures the adventures of the first-ever senior citizen

hip hop dance team for the New Jersey Nets Basketball Team,

from auditions through to center court stardom.