Posted by Tom Frieden, MD, MPH, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on August 27, 2013
There is new evidence that schools across the nation are taking important steps to improve the health and wellbeing of America's children.
A new study released yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that school districts nationwide are showing real progress in measures related to nutritional policies, physical education and tobacco policies.
Posted by Elyse Cohen, Deputy Director, Let’s Move! on August 26, 2013
As school bells rang across the country this morning, Let’s Move! Executive Director Sam Kass visited the TODAY Show to talk about the importance of nutritious meals for kids—both in school and at home. He also highlighted Let’s Move! Active Schools, the First Lady’s initiative to really get kids active throughout the school day.
Posted by Elyse Cohen, Deputy Director, Let's Move! on August 25, 2013
It’s almost time to see those smashing forehands and backhands! Yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama visited the U.S. Open to celebrate the 18th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, which brings together thousands of kids and families, tennis players, and celebrities to celebrate the life and legacy of the tennis legend and humanitarian Arthur Ashe. The First Lady spoke to the kids and their families about the importance of staying active and she announced a new commitment that the United States Tennis Association (USTA) pledged to the Partnership for a Healthier America in support of Let’s Move!
Posted by Elyse Cohen, Deputy Director, Let's Move! on August 24, 2013
Tune in tonight as First Lady Michelle Obama joins Univision’s “Sábado Gigante” show to talk with kids about one of her favorite topics--the importance of eating healthy. Just last month, as part of Let's Move!, the White House welcomed more than 50 young people from all around the country for the Kids State Dinner, and the First Lady wants kids to know that you don't have to come to the White House to start whipping up your own healthy recipes... you can do it with your family right in your own kitchen.
Last week, @FLOTUS asked her social media followers to share what's growing in their personal gardens using #LetsMoveGarden. Check out the results below, but as a warning, they may make you hungry!
This weekend, First Lady Michelle Obama appeared in Parade Magazine and applauded the success of Let’s Move! Whether in school cafeterias or at the Kids' State Dinner, First Lady Michelle Obama has consistently promoted nutrition and getting active throughout her time at the White House.
Posted by AJ Pearlman, Associate Director for Policy, Let's Move! on August 16, 2013
The Wonderful World of Webinars
You don’t have to tell us twice – we know you are busy.
That’s why the Let’s Move! sub-initiatives are trying to make it as easy as possible for you and leaders in your community to access a wealth of training materials and opportunities from the comfort of your home.
Behold – the power of the webinar! Webinars, live online educational presentations, offer viewers the perfect blend of interaction and convenience. We are such avid fans that we are bringing you a whole host of webinars this month.
Posted by Tatiana Tucker and Agda Burchard, Administration for Children and Families on August 15, 2013
When parents are busy at work all day, child care providers play a crucial role in maintaining a child’s health and wellbeing.
That’s why the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health and the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) have teamed up to provide Boise-area child care providers with a series of free educational workshops.
Posted by James Harmon, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Mid-Atlantic Region, Special Nutrition Program Director on August 14, 2013
Harrison School District Superintendent Dr. James Doran is committed to improving the learning environment for children in this small New Jersey town. Part of that commitment was on display during National School Breakfast Week when I visited Lincoln Elementary School with Dr. Doran to see first-hand how schools in Harrison have championed breakfast in the classroom.
Lincoln has more than 600 students who have enjoyed breakfast in the classroom for the past two school years. But this year Dr. Doran expanded the program to include both the middle and high school, ensuring that even more students begin each school day with a nutritious breakfast. The District decided it was best to offer breakfast after the bell to all students because, according to Dr. Doran, “all the research indicates that children who eat breakfast perform better academically and tend to be more attentive.”
Posted by Elizabeth Rhodes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Tatiana Tucker, Administration for Children and Families and Tatiana Tucker, Child Care Specialist, Administration for Children and Families on August 8, 2013
In Lansing, Michigan, child care provider Summer Lettau is teaching young kids to choose healthy options—and enjoy them! Check out her tips to get inspired and help you teach your little ones about eating healthy.
Andalusia City Schools were ahead of the curve. Even before they applied for the Healthier U.S. School Challenge (HUSSC) and won a Gold Award of Distinction for their elementary school, Andalusia City Schools were already taking steps towards making nutritional improvements to their meals.
“We have a long standing tradition of excellence and are recognized as a system where performance exceeds expectations,” said Ms. Stephanie Dillard, child nutrition director for Andalusia City Schools. “At Andalusia City Schools we want what is best for all students, and we exceed expectations in our school meals.”
Schools in Andalusia began serving whole wheat breads and romaine lettuce prior to applying for the HUSSC. Additionally, the schools increased their fruit and vegetable offerings, including dark green and dark orange vegetables a few times a week. Students were also already served one percent or skim milk.
Posted by Sam Kass, Executive Director, Let's Move! on August 6, 2013
When we launched Let’s Move! in 2010, many people saw no end in sight to rising rates of childhood obesity. But, today a light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to emerge. The evidence is in, and we could not be more excited!
First, there was a report showing a decline in obesity in Mississippi of 13% among elementary school students, as well as decreases in Philadelphia, New York City, and California. And today, according to the latest Vital Signs report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity rates among low-income preschoolers modestly declined in 19 U.S. states and territories between 2008 and 2011.
Posted by Elyse Cohen, Deputy Director, Let's Move! on August 5, 2013
Any parent will tell you – kids have a lot of energy.
That’s why this week is all about harnessing that energy and turning it into productive playtime! National Exercise With Your Child Week, which runs August 4-10th, encourages parents and guardians alike to empower their children to become physically active. Staying active together can help children build confidence while teaching them the importance of physical activity to lead a healthy life.
Posted by AJ Pearlman, Associate Director for Policy, Let's Move! on August 2, 2013
Amidst a sea of white pop up tents and folding tables, the sights and smells abound – fragrant peaches in peak season, plump heirloom tomatoes, and perfectly-picked peppers. Sound familiar?
