January 2024 Kid's Directory
Let's get this year started with new expectations and experiences! Isn't that what we all feel like when the calendar starts over? Fresh starts, new beginnings and all the high expectations that come with it, right?
Detox, limitations, even letting go puts our mindset into creating less of a mess both physically and mentally. I am all for that. Less stress, less poor habits, and definitely less to create my best for me and for my family. To help put goals into action, we should be purposeful first. Ask ourselves why we want to change or make different these areas that are harming us or keeping us from our best.
Once you have a definite "why" and know there will be an outcome worth working for, you will more likely stay engaged and interested in what you chose to work on. Physical fitness, learning more about a hobby, interacting with more family or friends are all great areas to consider. If creating better for yourself is not enough reason, those around us, watching and mimicking our habits is a great "excuse" to put our health more of a priority.
So, let's do this! Come on, we will conquer "the things" that "make the change" necessary to becoming a better person and family.
AR Better Beginnings 5, 23
Heart Study ...............12
Learning 22
& Fish ............................19
Innovation Hub 14
How to stay happy and healthy in the new year
By P.E. Teacher Richard Denney Westside Elementary School, Searcy School District
The holidays have come and gone, and a new year is here. And if you’re like other kids, you’ll want 2024 to be the year to get healthy, be kinder to those you around you and improve your mental well-being.
Taking steps to be healthy can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start. If you've ever googled “get healthy” the number of articles and volume of advice can be intimidating. The American Heart Association suggests keeping it simple by focusing on these three areas of health:
1. Eat Better. Aim for an overall healthy eating pattern that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, protein that’s low in fat, nuts and seeds. If these are foods you don’t usually like, don’t give up. It can take trying a new food 10 to 15 times before our taste buds get used to it. Continue to offer healthy foods and with time, they may just come around. And, if you're looking for recipes, the American Heart Association as variety of kid-friendly recipes on heart.org
2. Be More Active. You should get about 60 minutes of physical activity every day, including play and structured activities like organized football, basketball or dance. Taking a family walk at night or having a dance party with friends indoors are easy ways to spend quality time while staying active.
3. Get Healthy Sleep. We all need sleep to be healthy, but kids need more than adults: 10-16 hours for ages 5 and younger, including naps; 9-12 hours for ages 6-12; and 8-10 hours for ages 13-18. Adequate sleep promotes healing, improves brain function and reduces the risk for chronic diseases.
Taking small steps to better health can add up to big changes overtime and leading your family by example is a great way to show that healthy habits are important.
Need more resources to help keep up your healthy resolutions as a family? No worries, the American Heart Association’s has tools and resources such as Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, that help kids create healthy habits. Learn more at www.heart.org/getstarted.
Note: The Kids Heart Challenge Banner pic showcases the 22 years of support for the American Heart Association at Westside and promoting healthy hearts in their students.
