What Actions are You Taking for Healthy Kids?

Knowing that kids today face many threats to their health and well-being, it's imperative that we collectively take steps and make changes that help kids eat better, stay active, and practice habits that improve their social and emotional health. Learn more at Action for Healthy Kids.

School Wellness Triennial Assessment Webinar

The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act requires Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to conduct an assessment of their wellness policy. The first triennial assessment must be completed by June 30, 2020 that includes a report that documents: Compliance with the wellness policy, How the policy compares to model policies, and Progress made in attaining the goals of the policy. The webinar will provide an overview of Triennial Assessment requirements and resources to assist with compliance and will be recorded. A link will be sent to all those that are registered. Wednesday, January 15, 2019 from 1:30 - 2:30pm. Register today! Questions? Contact Carrie at carrie.scheidel@iowa.gov.

Awareness Campaign to Combat Youth Vaping

Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Iowa Department of Education launched a new vaping awareness and prevention campaign aimed at informing teens about the reality of vaping and its consequences, and helping parents know how to address the issue and protect their kids. This multi-pronged campaign includes a digital marketing campaign with elements targeting teens and parents with unique messaging delivered through their preferred channels, including SnapChat, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Hulu, etc. Today, 1 in 4 high schoolers vapes, and 1 in 9 high school seniors report vaping on a near-daily basis. In Iowa, the percentage of 11th graders who said they currently vaped went from 9% in 2016 to more than 22% in 2018. Vaping information for parents, teens, health professionals and schools can be found on the Iowa Department of Public Health's website.

Health & Physical Education Content Requirements

Rule requirements for schools can be found in Iowa Administrative Code (IAC). This 281--IAC Chapter 12 Rule interpretation document can help provide clarity about a variety of compliance topics including content requirements for health and physical education. Not all content needs to be addressed at each grade level, but all content must be covered at some time. Physical Education Content (includes, but is not limited to): fitness activities, sports and games, tumbling and gymnastics, rhythms and dance, water safety, and leisure and lifetime activities. Health content (includes, but is not limited to): personal health, food and nutrition, environmental health, safety and survival skills, consumer health, family life, substance abuse and nonuse, human sexuality, self-esteem, stress management, interpersonal relationships, emotional and social health, health resources, and prevention and control of diseases. Visit the Department's Physical Education and Health Education for information and resources. Questions? Contact Lyn Jenkins at lyn.jenkins@iowa.gov.

Physical Activity vs. Physical Education

Physical activity is any movement, manipulation, or exertion of the body that can lead to improved levels of physical fitness and quality of life. The Iowa Healthy Kids Act requires students in grades K-5 to be provided at least 30 minutes of physical activity each school day while students in grades 6-12 should get a minimum of 120 minutes per week. Physical activity can include physical education class, recess, classroom movement, and may before and/or after school programs/activities. Physical Education develops the skills, knowledge, and confidence students need to be active daily and for a lifetime. Physical education teachers are great champions for school wellness and can provide expertise on adding developmentally appropriate physical activity to the school day. Visit SHAPE America’s Physical Activity vs Physical Education for their position statements.

Boyden-Hull CSD To Start a Yoga Program

Melannie Hofmeyer, Physical Education teacher applied for Voya Foundation's Unsung Hero grant and received $2,000 to purchase yoga and mindfulness equipment and instruction tools for the elementary. She will be working with the school's guidance counselor to co-lead the yoga and mindfulness sessions.  NWest Iowa Article

Live Healthy Iowa Staff Wellness Challenge

Live Healthy Iowa is kicking off their 10 Week Wellness Challenge (January 13 - March 20). Over the course of 10 weeks, teams (2-10 people) track activity minutes and/or weight loss through the Live Healthy Iowa website. This challenge provides Iowans an opportunity to improve their health while engaging in fun, friendly competition. Cost is $22 per participant and includes a T-shirt, personal online dashboard, subscription to Fresh Pickings magazine, and chances to win prizes. Questions? info@livehealthyiowa.org

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter ad- dressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the com- plaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Ave SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
2. Fax: (202) 690-7442
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Iowa Nondiscrimination Statement

It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone numbers 515-281-4121 or 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.