Saint Luke the Evangelist School  

Wellness Newsletter                              

Saint Luke School community is committed to provide a healthy environment for our students and recognize that student wellness and proper nutrition are related to students’ physical well-being, growth, development and readiness to learn. 

What is the importance of wellness? 

• Childhood obesity has risen dramatically over the last 20 years.
• Obesity has been linked to: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression, high blood pressure, and many more illnesses.
• Almost 1/3 of children today are overweight or at risk of being overweight.
• The average child spends approximately 5 hours a day watching television or sitting in front of the computer.
• Poor nutrition can affect school performance.       

What are we doing as a school community? 

For students:

• Nutrition lessons are on-going throughout the school environment.
• Physical Education classes are offered according to Archdiocesan standards.
• Physical activity is encouraged during recess.
• Healthy snacks are available during recess.
• School campus requires frequent walking during transitioning of classes.
• Physical activity is promoted during many classes.    

For faculty and staff:

• Faculty and staff members act as positive role models in their actions.
• Appropriate training is on-going for all staff members.      

What can you do at home? 

Eating:

• Switch to whole grains (i.e., bread, pasta, cereal)
• Go colorful with vegetables (i.e., spinach, broccoli, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, peppers, etc.)
• Try raw vegetables with dip
• Try different varieties of fruit
• Get plenty of calcium (i.e., low-fat milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc)
• Vary your protein (i.e., beans, nuts, etc.)      

Exercise:

• Take a walk with your kids
• Limit television and computer time
• Use a pedometer
• Walk or bike instead of driving
• Use chores as an activity (i.e., gardening, raking, taking out the trash)
• Play outside for 30-60 minutes every day       

What healthy snacks can you provide? 

• Fruit and grain bars
• Yogurt or gogurt
• Raisins
• Whole wheat crackers
• Low-fat string cheese
• Graham crackers
• Granola bars
• Pretzels
• Fruit cups
• Applesauce cups
• All natural fruit roll up      

What to do to find more information? 

• American Academy of Pediatrics   www.aap.org
• American Diabetic Association  www.eatright.org
• TV-Turnoff Network    www.tvturnoff.org
• Pennsylvania Nutrition Association  www.panaonline.org
• USDA      www.mypyramid.gov
• USDHHS     www.girlshealth.gov