This Saturday, February 17 is the official Random Acts of Kindness Day.  What will you do to celebrate?  We're excited to tell you about a school that replaced its unhealthy celebration habit with a very special new tradition.  

It's possible to celebrate Christmas, New Year's Eve, or any holiday—without going overboard on sweet treats and calorie-laden food and beverages. Here are a few simple strategies to help support you in eating healthy at your holiday celebrations. 

While you and your family may be starting to plan for your Thanksgiving meal next week, keep in mind that Thanksgiving weekend is also an excellent time to incorporate vigorous, outdoor activity into your weekend. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend boasts more run/walk "turkey trot" races thank any other day of the year, and many of them encourage families to participate together.  Many of these races are also fundraisers to support local charitable organizations.  

The Drumstick Dash
9:00 a.m. – 4.6 Mile and 2.75 Mile Start
10:15 a.m. – Lil’ Gobbler’s Run
Race begins on Broad Ripple Ave. in front of Broad Ripple High School.
1055 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Proceeds support Wheeler Mission.

Turkey Trot 5K
The Turkey Trot winds through the beautiful grounds of Crown Hill Cemetery. There’s a good chance you’ll see a herd of deer as you enjoy the rolling hills and a trip to the top of the Crown. All registration takes place on the morning of the event beginning at 7:30 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation. 

• 7:30 a.m. – Turkey Trot Registration
• 8:30 a.m. – 5K Run Start
• 8:40 a.m. – 5K Walk Start

Gobble Gallop 5K

For a complete list of central Indiana races, you can find one here near you.  

If a run/walk race isn't going to be your thing this Thanksgiving weekend, you may still want to support charities that help our food insecure neighbors.  Some of Jump IN's partners are Gleaners, Second Helpings, the Community Cupboard of Lawrence, the Sharing Place, and the pantry at Carriage House East.  Visit the Hunger in Your Community page on Gleaners website to learn about pantries near you and how you can support them.  As always, be sure to support them with healthy options. We've added a link to a list of healthy donations that pantries need.  

In addition to the run/walk races, there are lots of outdoor family activities that can get you moving this week in central Indiana:  Christmas at the Zoo, Winterlights, the Circle of Lights, and many more.  

From your friends at a Jump IN, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 

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Halloween may come just once a year, but there are many ways emphasize the fun without overdoing it on candy and sweet treats. 

Shift the focus of your Halloween celebration away from candy and have fun with healthy snacks, active games, and non-food prizes instead. 

The things that children learn when they're young provide stepping stones for the rest of their lives. This is why it is so important for children to learn and practice healthy behaviors in positive environments from the start. Childcare facilities are the perfect places to provide healthy foundations for children, and we have 3 easy practices to help you get started on making health and wellness a priority in your childcare facility. 

New Year's Resolutions

This week, many schools around Indianapolis are reopening their doors to students after a summer away. A new school year provides opportunities for school leadership to implement new plans and goals for improvement, and this year the school district of Warren Township is implementing some new year's resolutions of their own. Superintendent Dr. Timothy Hanson and Assistant Superintendent Ryan Russel are hoping to focus on the district's view of health and wellness. Warren Township has a new District Wellness Policy that has a larger focus on physical activity in schools as well as stronger nutrition standards. This new wellness policy is much more comprehensive than the district's original and provides an encouraging stepping stone as the district moves forward to make health and wellness a priority in all of its schools.

What is a school wellness policy?

In 2004, Congress passed a law stating that each local educational agency (including school districts) that participates in the National School Lunch Program, or any other federal child nutrition program, is required by federal law to establish a local school wellness policy for all schools under its jurisdiction.

It's possible to celebrate Thanksgiving—or any holiday—without going overboard on sweet treats and calorie-laden food and beverages. Here are a few simple strategies to help support you in eating healthy at your Thanksgiving Day celebration. 

Drink water

Drinking water will help you stay hydrated and feel full. Additionally, by choosing water, you'll be avoiding empty liquid calories. Remember, that 12 oz can of Coke contains 140 calories and 10 teaspoons of sugar—skip it and you'll save room for dessert!

Give thanks for good health this Thanksgiving by adding a new physically active tradition to your family's celebration. 

It's not a far-fetched idea. In fact, Thanksgiving Day boasts more run/walk races than any other day of the year. A record high 726 Thanksgiving Day races were recorded nationwide in 2016, with nearly a million finishers!

We've rounded up a few ideas for you to consider locally, including some tips for a do-it-yourself event at home.

Halloween may come just once a year, but there are plenty of ways to celebrate without overdoing the candy and sweet treats. 

Shift the focus of your Halloween celebration away from sugary treats and have fun with healthy snacks, active games, and non-food prizes instead.