Wellness

Hello Lin-Wood Community,

Here is a quick link to healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  As a parent with kids, my biggest need is for quick and easy healthy dinner ideas.  My favorite dinner recipes from this site are Meatloaf muffins, jambalaya, egg roll in a bowl, and chicken kebabs with tzatziki.

https://healthystepsnutrition.com/healthy-recipes/

Sincerely,
Jessica Halm
High School Mathematics Teacher/
Wellness Committee Member

Dear Lin-Wood Community,

Physical activity is a vital part of a child's development, supporting everything from brain health and academic performance to emotional regulation and long-term physical strength. When families get active together, it doesn't just build healthier habits—it strengthens bonds and makes movement feel like a natural part of daily life.

Why Movement Matters for Your Student
Regular physical activity offers a wide range of benefits that go far beyond the playground:
●    Academic Boost: Exercise improves attention, memory, and concentration, which can lead to better grades and school performance.
●    Stronger Bodies: Weight-bearing activities like running and jumping are critical for building bone density and muscle strength.
●    Emotional Well-being: Movement releases endorphins that reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression while boosting confidence.
●    Better Sleep: Active children tend to fall asleep faster and enjoy better quality rest.
Family Activity Ideas to Try Together
Experts recommend school-aged children get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily. Here are some fun ways to hit that goal as a family:

Outdoor Adventures
●    Nature Scavenger Hunts: Take a mindful walk through a local park or your neighborhood, looking for specific plants, birds, or colors.
●    Active Commuting: If possible, walk or bike to school together. For families who drive, try parking a few blocks away to get some extra steps in.
●    Backyard Classics: Host a family tournament of tag, kickball, or capture the flag.
●    Seasonal Fun: Try apple-picking or corn mazes in the fall, and sledding or building snow sculptures in the winter.

Indoor & Rainy Day Options
●    Family Dance Party: Turn up the music and have a "dance-off" or play freeze dance in the living room.
●    Living Room Obstacle Course: Use pillows, blankets, and painter's tape on the floor to create a course for "animal walks" (like crab crawls) and jumping challenges.
●    Commercial Break Fitness: Challenge each other to see who can do the most jumping jacks or push-ups during a TV commercial.
●    Active Video Games: Use motion-based games to get everyone moving.

Tips for Success
●    Be a Role Model: Children are far more likely to be active if they see their parents enjoying movement too.
●    Focus on Fun: Keep the emphasis on having a good time rather than "winning" or intense training.
●    Mix It Up: Variety prevents boredom and helps develop different motor skills, from flexibility in yoga to endurance in swimming.

Sincerely,
Your Lin-Wood Wellness Committee

Hello Lin-Wood community, 

As we soldier through the winter months it is important to take care of ourselves - both mind and body. Less sunlight and less time in the fresh air, can result in less opportunity for exercise and craving more comfort foods. Focusing on nutrient dense whole foods and seasonal produce can help boost our immune systems and fuel our bodies through these colder months! 

The Wellness Committee wants to help by sharing some  winter-centric recipes and a seasonal nutrition resource to help usher in a healthy Spring. 

We also invite you to share your favorite winter recipes with us! Building a community recipe book can help us all answer the daily question, “what’s for dinner?” We will share the compiled resource on our Wellness page at lin-wood.org.

To submit your recipe, please send it via this form Winter Meal Ideas

Sincerely,
Your Lin-Wood Wellness Committee