Wellness Committee

The Region 12 Wellness Committee is committed to establishing a healthy learning environment that positively influences the school community’s general well-being. This policy will provide all of the school community with the ability to develop lifelong healthy habits. A healthy environment that fosters wellness and good nutrition will be promoted. Improved health optimizes performance potential and ensures that all students have the opportunity to be successful. This committee will work to identify health issues in school and make recommendations to school administrators/boards related to policies and any changes related to improving the healthy school environment.

American Heart Association - Wear Red

The American Heart Association wants to celebrate the lives of women during the month of February. Did you know that a woman dies of heart disease or stroke every 80 seconds? The American Heart Association lists seven ways (“Life’s Simple 7”) that health can be improved to enhance the quality of life. The following guidelines help to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke:     
1)    Stop smoking    
2)    Eat healthy (half of your meals should be RED fruits and vegetables)    
3)    Develop a more active lifestyle     
4)    Maintain normal weight for your height/age    
5)    Monitor Blood Pressure/Be aware of what is a “normal” blood pressure- Avoid salt and processed foods 
6)    Control cholesterol by not eating foods that are high in fats     
7)    Choose foods with little or no added sugars to reduce blood sugars                                                                                                                                                                                             
The month of February is GO RED/WEAR RED for all women. Therefore, it is important to make positive changes. One important lifestyle change is related to nutrition and the daily diet. Consuming red fruits and vegetables daily are beneficial as they are rich in nutrients that help to maintain blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. Other health benefits: reduce bad cholesterol, improve the immune system, reduce the risk of diabetes, protect the liver, maintain eyesight, reduce the risk of cancer, and osteoporosis, and help to prevent arthritis.     


Some “RED” vegetables/fruits include: tomatoes, red bell peppers, beets, red potatoes, red onions, red cabbage, red grapes, cherries, cranberries, watermelon, and strawberries are just a few that contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B Complex Vitamins, Potassium, Fiber and other necessary nutrients.    
By following the above guidelines and choosing to live a healthy lifestyle, the end result will be a more enjoyable and hopefully longer lifespan.     
    
Mary Clarke

RN Shepaug Valley School Nurse    
860 868 6205


Below, please find some links that relate to the mission of our committee: