Parks, trails, and greenway systems are part of the built environment of communities. Built environments that encourage walking, biking, and hiking have multiple health benefits – they offer opportunities for physical activity, recreational time, and can boost mental health as well. Cooler temperatures and changing leaves mean central Indiana’s trails and greenways are at their best and now is the…
More than 3.3 million children across the U.S. will eat healthier meals and snacks, thanks to recent revisions to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These new dietary rules and suggested best practices may serve as a useful guide for you, even if your…
As designated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), September is National Childhood Obesity Month. Nationally, roughly one in five children suffers from obesity. In central Indiana, those numbers are worse. Jump IN for Healthy Kids is focused on changing those numbers and helping children and families lead healthier lives. Why is this such a problem? The causes of…
If you work full-time, that’s where you spend the majority of your day. It is important to make sure that your work environment is as healthy as it can be, so that you can get in the habit of practicing healthy behaviors. Creating a healthier environment in the office may seem like a big task,…
Across central Indiana, child care providers of all shapes and sizes are making changes to improve the health of the children they serve. Some have dramatically changed their menus, adding whole grains, eliminating processed foods, and increasing fresh fruits and vegetables. Some have stopped using candy and sweets as rewards for desired behavior. Many have…
