June is National Dairy Month, a time to celebrate all the tasty foods made of dairy which also provide many important vitamins and minerals for active bodies. Did you know that in order to get the amount of calcium in an 8-ounce glass of milk, you’d have to eat one-fourth cup of broccoli, seven oranges or six slices of wheat bread?
National Dairy Month is also a perfect opportunity to teach your children about where their food comes from. My children love the story of Sunnybell, a Florida dairy cow who shares her story about life on a dairy farm. They giggle every time they hear Sunnybell talk about how some of her friends have chilled water beds to keep them cool in the Florida heat. Try discussing Sunnybell with your own kids, they are sure to be entertained!
One of my absolute favorite programs for school health and wellness is Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60), a joint program between the National Football League (NFL) and the National Dairy Council. FUTP60 is a student led program which encourages students to live healthier lives through the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity. Even better, up to $4,000 is available to schools who implement the FUTP60 program (and might be able to fund some of The OrganWise Guys materials you have your eye on). I’ve seen FUTP60 transform a school’s culture in just one school year through the coordinated excitement it creates among the students, staff, and parents. You can learn more about FUTP60 here.
Remember, even during the long (and sometimes lazy) days of summer, there are teaching opportunities everywhere. During National Dairy Month, take the opportunity to talk with your child about the vitamins and minerals in their bowl of low-fat ice cream or how their grilled cheese is helping to build strong muscles and bones so they can swim longer and faster. They may think you’re providing them with just a treat, but we know you’re giving them just what their bodies need to thrive this summer.
Today we feature OWG guest blogger and childhood obesity consultant, Melodie Griffin. Melodie’s passion lies in the prevention of childhood obesity through the school and early learning settings. All programs Melodie promotes are fully approved by her home based lab rats, five year old son, Howie, and two year old daughter, Hope. You can connect with Melodie on her Facebook page, WellConnect LLC.
