Morning Announcements
These health tips, blurbs, facts, jokes and riddles can be used in a variety of ways. These may used for:
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Morning Announcements
Scrolling Message Board
School Message Marquee
Newsletters
Activity Calendar
Bulletin Board
School Website
Healthy Eating
Fill Up The Tank! Start your day with breakfast. Breakfast fills up your “empty tank” to get your body
going for the day!
Snack Smart! Snacks are a great way to refuel. Choose snacks from different food groups: a few graham
crackers with low-fat milk, an apple or celery sticks with peanut butter. YUM!
Balance your food choices! Don’t eat too much of one thing!
Find the Facts! Remember, you can find important nutritional information on the food label. Don’t
forget the 1st Ingredient is always the biggest!
GO SLOW! Eat s l o w l y at every meal. It takes the brain 20 minutes to register that you are full!
Eat more grains, fruits and veggies! These foods give you carbohydrates for ENERGY! They also give you
vitamins, minerals and fiber! Best of all, they taste good too!
Foods are not “good” or “bad.” A healthy eating style is what is most important. Balance your food
choices, and remember moderation is the key!
FFG! Eat from the Five Food Groups every day! Can you name the groups? (Grain, Meat & Bean, Fruit,
Vegetable, Dairy)
Food is FUN! Enjoy your food. Don’t rush. Savor the flavors of all your healthy choices!
Table Dining! Eat at the table, not on the couch or in front of the computer! This will help you focus on
how much you are eating!
Nutrition Mission! Set a personal nutrition goal for this week! What will your Nutrition Mission be?
Hungry-Or Not? Do you eat when you are bored, tired or stressed? If you feel like eating when you are
not hungry, take a walk, play a game, read a book or call a friend instead.
Just Say NO to Corn Syrup! Avoid foods and drinks made with corn syrup. They are high in calories, and
nutritionally “empty!”
Hungry? If you get hungry between meals, you can choose foods that will satisfy your appetite, taste
good, and are healthy too. Some healthy snack choices include: walnuts, almonds, broccoli, cauliflower,
and berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries).
U Need the “E!” Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and helps protect cells from damage. It is also important
for the health of red blood cells. Vitamin E is found in nuts, green leafy vegetables, avocados, wheat
germ and whole grains. Get the “E” and be healthy!
McChange! Many fast food chains now offer healthy sides in place of French fries. Choose the healthy
option. Make a change for better health!
Who has the power? YOU have the power to make healthy choices! Take time to make better food
choices. Vary your fruits and veggies, choose low fat snacks, and drink lots of water!
Fruits and Vegetables
Nutritious and Delicious! Try a new fruit or vegetable each week! They are loaded with the nutrients
your body needs, and they are nutritious and delicious! Yum!
Gimme FIVE! Eat at least five fruits and veggies every day!
Your Future Looks Bright! Remember to eat bright, colorful fruits and veggies every day! Differentcolored fruits and veggies give you a variety of healthy nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber!
Protect and Defend! Many colorful fruits and veggies help protect you from getting sick! Build up your
“army” of germ fighting cells. Eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables everyday!
Red Heart Smart! Red vegetables and fruits have special nutrients that love your heart and give you
Brain Power too!
Seeing Green? Green fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins and minerals that are good for
your eyes, bones and teeth. Are you an “Eating Green Healthy Machine?”
Powerful Purple! Did you know purple fruits and vegetables “power-up” your brain? Eat some grapes,
or try some eggplant and “power up!”
Wondering Why? Why do fruits and veggies make me feel so strong and energized? They are rich in
vitamins and minerals!
Produce Power! Visit a local farmer’s market. Can you tell which fruits and veggies are in season? How
many different colors do you see?
FRESH is BEST! Fresh whole fruits and veggies are healthier snacks! Limit your packaged snacks, like
potato chips and cookies.
Easy As Pie! Better yet, easy as peas! Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal.
Fiberlicious! Fruits and veggies provide your body with fiber. Fiber fills you up and keeps your digestive
system happy!
Low Cal Fab! Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories, and taste fabulous. They are the perfect
healthy snack!
FRUITS
Rainbow Plate! Make a fruit plate filled with colors of the rainbow!
Peel Appeal! Leave the peel on your apple. This will give your body more fiber!
Berry Good! Berries are “berry” good for your heart!
“Orange” you healthy? Eat an orange, tangerine, or a sweet clementine to give your body the vitamin C
needed to stay well.
Try Dried! Dried fruits like raisins or apricots are a delicious, healthy snack!
Smart Start! Try fruit at breakfast. Top your cereal with bananas, peaches or strawberries; add
blueberries to pancakes; drink 100% orange or grapefruit juice. Try mixing fruit with low-fat or fat-free
yogurt.
Sweet Treat! Eat fruit for dessert. Try baked apples or pears, or enjoy a fruit salad. A yummy frozen juice
bar (100% juice) is a healthy alternative to a high-fat dessert.
Cool Melon Mania! Did you know that a watermelon’s weight is made-up of 92% water? So when the
weather is HOT, enjoy a refreshing slice of watermelon! Try cantelope and honeydew too!
GO Bananas! Bananas are a high-energy, easy snack for your “on the go” lifestyle! They are rich in
nutrients such as potassium, which helps control blood pressure. Don’t monkey around---eat bananas!
True Blue and Purple Too! Blueberries and grapes are high in antioxidants! Antioxidants are substances
that help protect your cells against disease.
Super Foods! Blueberries, oranges, bananas, apples, kiwis, grapes, strawberries and papayas—take your
pick and take a bite, because these fruits are all super-healthy and so yummy!
Kiwi Please! Kiwi fruit will help your body maintain a healthy blood pressure because it is loaded with
potassium!
VEGETABLES
Leafy Lesson! Leafy vegetables are loaded with nutrients like iron. Can you name some leafy vegetables?
(Spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula)
Add a Veggie! Add your favorite vegetable to your soup, stew or salad!
Power to the Green! Spinach and broccoli are power-packed green veggies! They are rich in protein,
iron, fiber and vitamin E. Try ‘em–you’ll like them!
Veggie Munchy! Try munching on some sliced veggies like carrots and celery for a healthy snack choice!
Dip them in some low-fat dressing! Yum!
You Say Tomato! Tomatoes contain Vitamin C, a nutrient that helps build a strong immune system.
There are different colored tomatoes, including red, yellow, green and even purple. Say “YES” to
tomatoes!
Awesome Orange! Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A! This orange veggie helps keep your
eyes and skin healthy. Carrots also protect you against infections. Awesome!
GRAINS
Make Half Whole! Whole grains have more fiber, and are a healthy choice!
Brown Rice Rocks! Brown rice contains a mineral that helps your body digest fat. It also contains
magnesium, a mineral that helps build strong bones. Brown rice is a better choice!
Pop It Up! Popcorn is a whole grain, and considered a healthy snack choice! Remember to limit the
butter and salt you add!
Why Whole? Whole grains give you energy, and help protect your body against conditions like diabetes
and heart disease. Whole grains are naturally low-fat, high in fiber, and contain 10%-15% protein! Say
“Wow” for whole grain!
So Wholesome! The health benefits of eating whole grains rather than refined products (like white rice
and white bread) are numerous. Whole grains are a great source of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and
fiber! Whole grain is the wholesome choice!
Get The Grains! Grab some whole grains today! Some delicious whole grain foods include bagels, whole
grain cereal, whole grain pasta, tortillas, English muffins, whole wheat crackers and whole grain bread.
Fuel Up and Fill Up! Another benefit to eating whole grains includes the full feeling you get when you
swap whole grains (like wheat bread) for refined grains (like white bread). This feeling of fullness lasts
much longer with whole grain foods.
First Ingredient! Choose foods that name one of the following whole grain ingredients first on the
label’s ingredient list: brown rice, bulgur, graham flour, oatmeal, whole grain corn, whole oats, whole
rye, whole wheat or wild rice. These are healthy choices!
DAIRY
Dairy Please! Milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese, please! The calcium in dairy food is good for your
bones AND your heart! Make sure to get 2-3 servings dairy foods every day!
Moo To You! Milk provides our bones with calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients help our bones stay
strong throughout our lifetime.
A String Thing! Pack light string cheese into your bag for a great snack energizer!
3 A Day! Enjoy 3 servings of milk, cheese or yogurt for stronger bones—and to fight off the afternoon
slump!
Cheese It! Sprinkle some cheese on top of your veggies at dinner.
MEAT AND BEANS
The Meat of the Matter! The nutrients from the Meat and Bean group provide the protein our body
needs. Protein helps build, repair and maintain our body tissues like muscles, brain, kidneys and lungs.
Thrilled With Grilled! Try ordering a grilled chicken sandwich (instead of fried) when you go out for fast
food. Go Lean with Protein!
Bean Scene! In addition to protein, many beans provide lots of very important vitamins and minerals.
Have you tried these: black eyed peas, pinto beans, kidney beans, chick peas, peanut butter, nuts and
seeds? Can you name some more?
Snack Attack! Need a healthy, easy protein treat? Snack on a handful of nuts, or some peanut butter
and crackers.
Go Lean! Have lean ham, instead of sausage or bacon at breakfast. Eat baked chicken instead of
fried chicken, and make sure to take off the skin before you eat it.
Be Keen On Protein! Kids your age should eat 5 ounces of foods from the Meat & Beans Group every
day.
Go Fish! Fish is a great protein and nutrient source! Make it a habit to eat a variety of fish. It is hearthealthy and good for brain and eye development.
WATER
H2O Oh My! Did you know that more than half your weight is water? Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water
per day to keep your body healthy, happy and hydrated.
Juicy News! Drinking fruit juice helps your body hydrate! Remember to drink 100% fruit juice without
added sugar!
Brain Power!! To be able to THINK, you need water to DRINK! Water helps develop Brain Power!
Soda Note: Two sodas per day for a month is equal to FIVE pounds of sugar! Limit your sodas and sports
drinks. Drink water most often!
Ahhhh, Water! It is the natural “cushion” for your body! By providing your body with water, you are
protecting your muscles, bones, spinal cord and other organs!
Cooling and Chilling: Sweating serves as an “air conditioner” for your body! When it is hot, continue to
drink water to help your body temperature remain normal.
Go Water Go! Water helps energize your muscles. So grab a bottle of water to drink while you are
exercising!
Water Please! Water helps your kidneys keep your blood clean and healthy. So remember to say,
“Water please!”
FATS
About FAT! The name “fat” may make it sound like something you shouldn't eat. But fat is an important
part of a healthy diet. Kids need a certain amount of fat in their diets so the brain and nervous system
develop correctly. Not all FAT is bad!
Healthy Fat! Unsaturated fats are found in plant foods and fish. These can be good for heart health. The
best of the unsaturated fats are found in olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, albacore tuna and salmon.
That’s the skinny on healthy fat!
It’s A Fat Fact: Too much saturated fat is not good for your health! Saturated fat is found in fried foods,
butter, donuts, some chips and many fast foods!
Out of Here! Remove food with bad fats from your family diet. These include fatty cuts of meat, full-fat
dairy products, butter, deep-fried foods, commercially produced cakes and biscuits, and snack foods.
Bring On The Good Fat! Replace trans fats foods with good fats – lean meat, low-fat dairy, margarine
made from polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats, nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables.
Go Nuts! Eat an ounce of nuts each day! They are a great source of protein and healthy oils!
Beware! (of trans-fat) Often listed as a hidden ingredient known as “partially fractionated” or
“hydrogenated oils,” try to avoid foods containing saturated and trans-fats!
Make A Healthy Swap! Switch from regular mayonnaise to low-fat or fat-free!
Steam Team! Steamed and roasted foods are healthier than fried! Lower your calories and your fat by
joining the Steam Team today!!
SODIUM
Fresh is Best! Most sodium in food comes from packaged foods. Eat fresh foods whenever possible.
Sodium Free! Avoid sodium whenever possible. It makes your body hold water, and can make you feel
uncomfortable.
LOW or NO! Choose dressings that are low in sodium, or go with no dressing at all!
Fast Food Tip! Many fast-food items have high sodium content. If you do eat at a fast-food restaurant,
choose healthier items such as grilled chicken or a tossed salad.
Low Salt Snack! Choose unsalted nuts and seeds to keep sodium intake low.
EXERCISE
Question? What is the perfect “size”? Answer: EXERCISE !
Skip the TV Today! Turn off the TV, computer screen, television screen or video game, and play some
family games! Choosing less screen time is a healthier choice!
Exercise Anyone? Exercise should be fun, not a chore! What activity do you want to try?
Sweet Dreams! Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep
better and are better able to handle the challenges of the day!
Exercise Makes Your Heart Happy You may know that your heart is a muscle. It works hard, pumping
blood every day of your life. You can help this important muscle get stronger by exercising each day!
Be Strong! Here are some exercises and activities to build strong muscles: push-ups, pull-ups, tug-ofwar, rowing, running, inline skating and bike riding.
Stretch It Out! Some exercises can make you flexible. Being flexible is having "full range of motion,"
which means you can move your arms and legs freely without feeling tightness or pain.
Go Ahead and FLEX! Dedicate time today for stretching! Many activities improve flexibility. Have you
tried these: tumbling, gymnastics, yoga, dancing, ballet, martial arts and simple stretches (touching your
toes or side stretches)? Can you name more?
I Feel Good! You may not know that exercising can actually put you in a better mood. When you
exercise, your brain releases chemicals called endorphins, which may make you feel happier!
Stay Healthy-Exercise! Regular exercise can help you stay healthy, even as you get older. Try to get 60
minutes (1 hour) of activity time each day.
Warm Up to Work Out! Warming up prepares your body for exercise, and gets your muscles ready to
move. The next time you get ready to exercise, make sure to warm up beforehand.
Heart Healthy! Exercise helps create a strong, healthy heart. Take the time to get exercise today!
Team Work! Today, try exercising with a good friend. You will have more fun together!
Jump In To Exercise! Jumping rope is great exercise! It improves your heart strength and muscle
endurance. Why not jump rope today?
GENERAL HEALTH TIPS
Sleep Well! Plan to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. It will make you feel energized and happy the next
day!
Sun Smart! Put on sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher. Put more sunscreen on after
swimming and sweating a lot.
Don’t Worry Be Happy! Make up your mind to be happy, healthy, and grateful for the bright future
ahead of you.
Safety First! It’s time to gear up! When playing active sports or riding a bike, make sure you and your
family wear protective gear, such as helmets, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads.
Healthy Hugs! Give a family member a hug every day before school. This can help you stay calm during
your day.
Positive Power! When thinking about changing to make healthier choices, stay positive! If you do things
with a smile on your face, the whole experience will be much brighter.
Smile Bright! Brush all of your teeth, not just the front ones. Take your time while brushing. Spend at
least 2 or 3 minutes
Fantastic Floss! Even when you brush your teeth, it is impossible to get all the food out from between
your teeth. Remember to floss once a day to clean those hard-to-reach areas. Keep your gums and teeth
healthy!
HELP! Calling for help is the most important thing a kid can do in an emergency. If you're going to be the
one making the emergency phone call, here's what to do: Take a deep breath to calm down a little. Call
911.
Clean Team! Remember the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink could save
you trips to the doctor's office. Always wash after using the bathroom and handling pets!
Fight the Germs! Cough and sneeze into your elbow to avoid spreading your germs!
Click it! Remember to wear your seat belt every single time you ride in a car. Be sure to buckle up right
away whenever you get in a car.
HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS
Fruity Popcorn Snack. Mix popcorn, dried fruits chopped small (apples, peaches, raisins, mangoes), and
unsalted nuts. Enjoy!
Parfait Pleaser! Layer granola and fresh fruit with your favorite low-fat yogurt.
Cup O’Fruit! Chopped fruit in a cup is an easy, healthy snack.
Cheese Kabob! Alternate small slices of apples, and reduced fat Cheddar cheese on skewers.
Fruit Kabobs! Use 3-5 different fruits that are in season, cut into chunks (apples, melon, bananas,
strawberries), place on wooden skewer, and dip into yogurt. Enjoy!
Graham Dunk! Dip a few graham crackers into a cold glass of low-fat milk.
Fruit Face! Cut fruit shapes to create a fun “fruit face” before eating your healthy fruit snack or dessert!
Lettuce Wraps! Wrap a slice of Swiss cheese, turkey, and mustard in lettuce leaves.
HOLIDAY/SEASONAL
Healthy New Year- It’s a New Year! Take the 10,000 Step Challenge! Why not try wearing a pedometer,
and step into the year the healthy way?
Happy MLK Day! Martin Luther King was an inspiration to us all! Strive to be like him in your everyday
life. Be a good example, and make good choices!
Love Your Heart! Happy Valentines Day! Be good to your heart by taking a walk today! Instead of giving
your sweetheart candy, write a poem for them!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Wishing you an O’ Healthy Day indeed! Make sure to be eatin’ a bit o’ the
green! Enjoy plenty of green fruits and vegetables! They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Good
Luck!
Red White and Blueberries! Happy 4th of July. Enjoy a red white and blue treat! Mix fresh strawberries
and blueberries together, and spoon them over fat free vanilla ice cream! Enjoy this star-spangled treat!
Memorial Day- Enjoy the sun, but remember to be Sun Safe! If you are planning to be in the sun, make
sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Re-apply the sunscreen every 2 hours!
Gobble Gobble! Happy Thanksgiving! Use moderation when you are filling your plate for your family
feast. Use portion control and enjoy everything! Be thankful for your good health!
Merry Fitness and a Healthy New Year! Say YES to exercise and activity during the holiday break! Enjoy
the family celebrations, but remember to practice moderation and make healthy choices when you have
the chance!
JOKES/RIDDLES
-Knock knock
-Who’s there?
-Lettuce
-Lettuce who?
-Lettuce in and you’ll find out.
Q: What is a dancer’s favorite vegetable?
A: SPIN-ach
Q: What kind of vegetable likes to look at animals?
A: a ZOO-chini
Q: Why did the fisherman put peanut butter into the sea?
A: To go with the jelly-fish
Q: What is a pretzel’s favorite dance?
A: The twist
Q: Why did the student eat his homework?
A: The teacher told him it was a piece of cake.
Q: What vegetable do you use to solve a mystery?
A: a CLUE-cumber
Q: Why do French people eat snails?
A: Because they don’t like fast food
Q: What is a vampire’s favorite fruit?
A: a NECK-tarine
Q: Why did the man pour veggies all over the world?
A: He wanted peas on earth.
Q: Why did the tomato blush?
A: Because he saw the salad dressing
Q: Why did the banana go to the doctor?
A: Because it wasn’t peeling well
Q: Why aren’t bananas ever lonely?
A: Because they come in bunches
Q: Why don’t eggs tell jokes?
A: They’d crack each other up.
Q: What do you call an angry pea?
A: Grump-pea
Q: Why was the mushroom invited to lots of parties?
A: Because he was a fungi to be with
Q: What kind of apple isn’t an apple
A: A pineapple
Q: When do you stop at green and go at red?
A: When you’re eating a watermelon
Q: How does a ghost eat an apple?
A: By goblin’ it!
Q: What is a ghost’s favorite fruit?
A: Boo-berries!
Q: Why were the apple and orange all alone?
A: Because the banana split
Q: What do you call an apple that plays the trumpet?
A: A tooty fruity
Q: What did one tomato say to the other tomato?
A: You go ahead and I’ll ketchup!
Q: What has ears but can’t hear?
A: Corn
Q: What are two things you cannot have for lunch?
A: Breakfast and dinner
Q: What happened to the egg when it laughed?
A: It cracked up.
Q: What are strawberries when they are sad?
A: Blue-berries
Q: What did one plate say to the other plate?
A: Lunch is on me!
Q: What do you call cheese that isn’t yours?
A: Nacho cheese
Q: What kind of nuts always seem to have colds?
A: Cashews
Q: Why did the farmer shake the cow?
A: He wanted a milkshake.
Q: What do you get when you put three ducks in a box?
A: A box of quackers
Q: What is an astronaut’s favorite meal?
A: Launch
Q: Which letter of the alphabet is also a vegetable?
A: P
Q: What did one strawberry say to the other strawberry?
A: How did we get into this jam?
- Knock knock
-Who’s there?
-Justin!
-Justin who?
-Justin time for lunch!
Q: Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?
A : Because he was stuffed.
Q: Why did the cookie go to the doctor?
A: He was feeling crumby.
DESKTOP STRETCHING
Neck stretch:
 In an upright position, drop your right ear towards your right shoulder (this stretches the left
side of your neck and top of your shoulder).
 Hold, and repeat on left side.
Shoulder Stretch:
 Extend right arm straight out in front of you at shoulder level. Place your left hand on the tricep
between shoulder and elbow.
 Pull right arm across your body.
 Hold for 10 seconds, and then repeat on the left side.
Angry Cat Stretch:
 Bend forward, and wrap your arms around your legs. (Feet should remain flat on the floor).
 Gently pull your chest toward legs with arms, rounding your back.
 Drop chin toward your chest, pulling your belly button inward.
 Separate your shoulder blades and round your back like an angry cat.
Hamstring Stretch:
 Extend right leg out in front with your toes pointing up toward the ceiling.
 Place both hands on your left leg for support.
 Bend at the hips, dropping your chest forward toward the right leg until you feel a slight pull in
the back of your leg.
 Be sure your right knee is slightly bent. Do not lock your knee.
 Hold for 10 seconds, and repeat with left leg.
Hip Stretch:
 Lift your right ankle up and across your left leg, so that your right ankle is just above the left
knee.
 Your right knee should point to the side.
 Lean forward slightly from the hips to increase the stretch.
 Repeat with left ankle across the right leg.
Quadriceps Stretch:
 Move to the right side of your chair.
 Place the top of your right shoe/shoelaces in your right palm. Your right knee should point
directly towards the floor.
 Press foot down into your palm. You should feel a slight pull in front of your upper leg
(quadriceps muscle).
 Your body should be in a straight line from your right shoulder to your right knee.
 Hold for 10 seconds, and repeat with left leg.
CHAIR AEROBICS
March: (march, march, march, march)
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Sit with knees and feet hip distance apart.
Begin marching by lifting your right foot and then your left.
As your body warms up, lift your knees higher.
To increase the intensity of the workout, try using a wider march or add arm movements.
Kicks: (kick, kick, kick, kick)
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Begin with legs together and feet flat on the floor.
Kick your right leg out in front and then return it to the floor. Be sure to keep your knee slightly
bent on the kick.
Repeat with the left leg.
Alternating Heel Touches: (tap, tap, tap , tap)
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Bring your right heel up towards the center of your body.
Touch your right heel with your left hand, and return to the starting position.
Continue by lifting the left heel, and touching it with your right hand.
Pumps: (pull, pull, pull, pull)
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Begin with legs together in the center, and arms overhead.
Lift your right knee. As you lift the knee, pull your elbows down from above the head so that
your elbows and knee touch. Return to starting position, and repeat with your left knee.