Health Reminder:
Seasonal Fire Safety:
- Keep all decorations at least 3’ away from heat sources
- Keep space heaters at least 3’ away from anything that can burn and turn them off before bed.
- Never leave candles unattended and keep away from kids/pets.
- Use extension cords safely- use the right one (indoor/outdoor); don’t’ plug one into another one; check for frays or other damage; don’t overload with multiple items.
- Check your smoke alarms
- Make a plan and practice it as a family.
Nutrition Nugget
Cookies!
Ways to make healthy cookies without sacrificing the flavor:
- Sub other flours (whole wheat, almond, oat) for some of the white flour
- Replace ½ of butter with plain Greek yogurt
- Replace ½ of oil or melted butter with unsweetened apple sauce
- Sub Low fat cream cheese for regular.
Check out more healthy cookie recipes here.
Move It!:
Fitness Advent Calendar
| 1st | Jumping Jacks | 7th | Calf Raises |
| 2nd | Arm Circles | 8th | Mountain Climbers |
| 3rd | Squats | 9th | Russian Twist |
| 4th | Inchworm | 10th | High Knees |
| 5th | Step Ups | 11th | Glute Bridge |
| 6th | Plank | 12th | Back Extensions (Superman) |
Day 1 JJs, day 2 JJs + arm circles, etc. Days 13-24 do all exercises. Chose a specific # of reps or time (for example 10 reps or 20 seconds or more for 4-8th graders).
Mind Matters:
School Breaks and Mental Health
- Create simple routines: set a wake up and bedtime 1 hr. later than school day/night times.
- Down time: schedule specific down/quiet time.
- Set clear expectations: for every 1 hr. of screen time do 15 min. of physical activity, for example.
- Get kids’ input on planning and activities.
- Help kids stay connected with friends from school.
- Proactively discuss issues of grief due to loss or anxiety due to grades, health, etc.
Signs of trouble: Acting out; disruptive sleep; change in appetite; shutting down.