CHOOSE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

In order for our children and adolescents to “feel better today and stay healthy for tomorrow,” they must practice good dietary habits and be provided with consistent physical activity.  There are numerous resources available which outline safe and appropriate dietary guidelines for individuals.  The most accurate and reliable resource for the development of school nutrition and physical education policies is the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
 

  
OBJECTIVES OF MODULE TWO  
 

• Verbalize how the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans can assist your school and community with the design and implementation of a local wellness policy.
   
• Demonstrate how personalization of the recommendations in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans will enable child nutrition professionals, school board members, parents, teachers and school administrators to become better role models for their students.
   
• Motivate audience members to take the steps necessary to define their goals in weight control, exercise, and balanced nutrition to improve bone health while preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
   

• Define the “Key Recommendations for Specific Population Groups,” i.e., children and adolescents.
   
• Develop a plan to apply these recommendations to the physical activities, nutrition education, school environment, after school activities, and extracurricular activities for children and adolescents in your school community.