MARCH 2017
ENERGIZE
Teaching Children the Importance of Living
a Healthy and Active Lifestyle
MONROE COUNTY YMCA
SOUTHEAST BRANCH
2125 South Highland Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47401
812-332-5555
NORTHWEST BRANCH
1375 North Wellness Way
Bloomington, IN 47404
812-331-5556
Welcome to the Energize monthly newsletter, where we update you on the lessons
and activities in which your child has been participating. We also provide recipes and ideas to
reinforce the lessons outside of the classroom.
Choose Well
Live Well
It is already spring and summer vacation is just around the corner.
We have covered four of the five food groups on MyPlate including
grains, vegetables, fruits, and this month your child has learned all
about the dairy group. We discussed the importance of dairy and why
our bodies need dairy products to help keep our bones strong and
healthy. We also discussed alternative methods for those who do not
like or cannot have dairy products. Almond milk, soy products, rice
milk, and coconut milk are great alternatives that are lactose free but
still give your body the calcium and vitamin D it needs, plus they are
delicious! Getting adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin d is very
important for your child’s growing bones since these nutrients will
help to strengthen and prepare them for a lifetime of movement.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to see us in action #Energizemcymca.
Healthy Choices Made Easy
This month your child learned about the bones in their lower extremities from their pelvis, hips,
to their phalanges, toes. Your child participated in various bone strengthening activities including
running, walking, jumping, and skipping. Your child’s bone health is particularly important right now
because they will reach their maximum strength and density in their late teens, between the ages
of 18 and 20. Participating in these activities on a daily basis will not only ensure that your child is
getting 60 minutes of physical activity they need, but also strengthening their bones in the process.
Did you know?
• Babies have more bones than adults? Babies are born with about 300 bones that will decrease
to 206 by the time they are an adult due to a process called ossification or “bone remodeling”.
• More than half of your bones are in your hands and feet.
• There is only one bone in your body that is not connected to another bone. It is a bone in your
throat called the hyoid bone.
• Your bones are stronger than steel, but your teeth are actually stronger than your bones!
RECIPE OF THE MONTH:
Ultra-Chocolate Smoothie
Sneak in your calcium—plus protein and fiber—with this
on-the-go breakfast. Low-fat frozen yogurt adds more
than 30% of your daily calcium.
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20364808,00.html#ultra-chocolate-smoothie
Preparation:
Ingredients:
Ingredients: Unsweetened cocoa, unsweetened
almond milk, chocolate low-fat frozen yogurt, dark
chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Calories: 340
Ingredients:
• 3/4 cup chocolate low-fat frozen yogurt
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• Dark chocolate shavings for garnish
Directions:
1. Purée frozen yogurt, cocoa, and milk in a blender until
smooth. Pour into a chilled glass, and garnish with chocolate
shavings; serve.
Nutritional Information:
340
Calories per serving:
6g
Fat per serving:
3g
Saturated fat per serving:
1g
Monounsaturated fat per serving:
0.0g
Polyunsaturated fat per serving:
10g
Protein per serving:
64g
Carbohydrate per serving:
6g
Fiber per serving:
23mg
Cholesterol per serving:
3mg
Iron per serving:
227mg
Sodium per serving:
339mg
Calcium per serving:
The Skeletal System
Fit Focus
Simon Says!
Simon Says is a great way to review the
skeletal system and get some exercise in
the process.
Some examples include:
“Simon Says”: Jump up and down, touch
your patella, run in place, put both hands
on your femur, find your pelvis, do high
knees, touch your head, etc.
Ashley Lowers
Community Outreach/ENERGIZE Coordinator
Monroe County YMCA
812-272-2154
[email protected]