Commit to Be Fit Newsletter
April 18th, 2022
Fit Kids Clinic Open for RCPS Students and Staff
RCPS is excited to announce that the Fit Kids Clinic has reopened and is available to all RCPS students and staff. If your child gets sick at school, leaving work is not always easy. Telehealth makes it easier. With your consent, our telehealth presenter, Ms. Goode, will be able to use video telehealth technology to connect your child with a provider at Valley Health. In most cases, your child can be diagnosed without leaving school or you having to leave work. Conditions treated include: asthma, allergies, cough, colds, flu, ear aches, sore throats, fever, headaches, head lice, pink eye, and skin irritations. This clinic saves valuable time (for students and parents) and reduces absenteeism. The clinic is available for all students in grades PreK-12 with parental consent. Parents and Guardians- you can find the necessary paperwork at https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/about-us/school-based-telehealth-visits/
Walking Group
Lace up your shoes and join us for Walking Group on Mondays! This group meets at 3:45 pm at the RCES flag pole. Whether you are competing in one of our physical activity challenges or you would like to get a few extra steps in, we would love for you to come out and walk with us! This group is open to the entire community. Tell your friends or bring them with you!
Gratitude Jar
It’s almost Turkey day! Thanksgiving dinner is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate gratitude. However, sometimes tensions can arise, leading to unnecessary drama and stress. One way to help foster a positive and harmonious atmosphere is to create a gratitude jar as the centerpiece of the dinner table.
Before the meal begins, provide small pieces of paper and pens for each guest. Ask everyone to write down something they are grateful for and place it in the jar. Throughout the dinner, encourage guests to take turns reading a gratitude note aloud.
This simple activity serves multiple purposes. It shifts the focus from potential conflicts to gratitude, reminding everyone of the true purpose of thanksgiving. It encourages a positive mindset and helps create an atmosphere of appreciation and harmony. By sharing their gratitude notes, guests will feel more connected and uplifted.
Additionally, the act of writing down and sharing gratitude can have profound effects on mental and emotional well-being. Expressing gratitude has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve overall mental health. By incorporating this practice at Thanksgiving dinner, you are not only preventing drama but also promoting wellness and positivity.
To enhance the effectiveness of the gratitude jar, consider adding a twist. Ask guests to write down something they are grateful for about another person at the table. This will cause them to focus on the positive qualities of their loved ones, strengthening relationships. It also serves as a beautiful way to express love and gratitude, creating a warm and loving atmosphere.
Instead of fighting about politics, religion, or other family matters, use the gratitude jar to make this Thanksgiving memorable for reasons that really matter. The gratitude jar not only keeps conflicts at bay but also promotes mental and emotional well-being, promoting a sense of unity, love, and gratitude among all guests.
Holiday Wellness Tips
The holiday season is nearing the corner and while it is full of excitement, family and fun, it can also be stressful and draining. To stay healthy physically and mentally, here are a few tips to survive these next months!
Be mindful of what you’re eating-We’ll all be surrounded by good foods and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite holiday dishes. Make a mental note to avoid stressful eating and add some healthy sides (fruit, salad, veggies, whole grains, etc.) along with it.
Get enough sleep- Holidays can lead to an inconsistent amount of sleep. To help with stress and support your immune system, prioritize sleep when you feel you need it. You can’t be the best around others without putting yourself first!
Stay active and move your body-Working out is a great self-care routine and is perfect for burning off those extra calories! It also helps with energy and speeds up metabolism.
Declutter spaces that may be bothering you- Decorating for the holidays can cause even more clutter to an already cluttered space. Before putting up that tree and décor, clean up an area that could take away some added stress.
Embrace the time spent with family and friends but remember to take care of yourself in the midst of this season!
Teacher Resources
RCPS Teachers-- As a friendly reminder, we have a massive database of brain breaks (PreK-12) and movement games/activities with SOL and content integration ideas (PK-5). CLICK HERE to view the Teacher Resource page. If you prefer, the C2BF team would be happy to come to your classroom and lead a brain break, activity, or even a mindful minute. Email c2bf@rappahannockschools.us to schedule a push-in.