While I haven't finished my tour of Wilton's great outdoor spaces for this blog, I thought I would share some other physical activity thoughts and opportunities with you.
Next Saturday, June 5th is National Trails Day - "On June 5, 2010, American Hiking Society and outdoor enthusiasts across the country will celebrate the 18th annual National Trails Day®, a long-standing celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 1,500 events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running and trail celebrations."
What a great way to get some fresh air, some fun exercise, and see a little bit of the countryside. And, you can even get your kids involved with a coloring contest - check this out!
Not sure where you're going when you're hiking in the mountains - there's an app for that! Check out the latest GPS app here.
As I was thinking of what to put in this blog this week, I thought I would come up with some other physical activity options besides hiking and biking. It's not important what you do, just that you do it!
Rowing - You can burn around 500 calories an hour rowing and think of the different view you get from the water!
Tennis - Burn 400 calories an hour playing tennis!
Kayaking - Burn 350 calories and again get to see a different perspective from the water!
And my favorite pasttime - golf - (walking with clubs not riding!) - Over 400 calories per hour - and you know golf is not a sport you can play in an hour!
These are all great activities that you can enjoy either here in Wilton or right down the road in Norwalk. These are all activities that you can get your kids involved in and they'll enjoy AND they'll enjoy spending quality time with you when you join them!
Memorial Day being the unofficial start of the summer season is a great time to thank the veterans who have sacrificed for our freedom and get out and enjoy the outdoor activities available to us all.
Have a great one!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
An update on the obesity grant plan
Lots of you have e-mailed me asking when the next committee meetings are going to be so I thought I'd use my Tuesday blog to fill you in on what's happening.
First, thank you all for your time to date. As I think we mentioned, the initial meetings were used to help us formulate a plan to be submitted to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Y-USA on the eventual expenditure of the grant money. That plan needs to be submitted by next Monday and Karen and I feel like we have a really good start to getting that accomplished.
Once the grant is accepted (or denied) we will begin the challenging work of putting those items in place - and that's when the committees will start meeting again. Until we get the nod of approval, we don't want to start working towards our goal only to be told to stop and rethink. We don't feel that's going to happen as we believe we have a good solid plan to submit.
I am sending the outline of the overall plan for your information. Remember, that we are not bound to just this framework as we go along but this gives us a good starting point. We don't know exactly when we'll hear from the governing bodies but as soon as we do - you will know.
Here's the outline of the proposed plan for the grant:
I. INCREASE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN YOUTH
a. Establish a “Pedestrian Zone” encompassing majority of youth-centered sites
b. Purchase bike racks to place in key locations of zone and explore “loanable” bicycles
c. Encourage use of parking hubs within zone to discourage driving short distances
d. Install informational kiosks at high traffic sites with trail maps, town park locations, etc.
e. Develop “Wellness Park” at corner of Rt. 7/School Road
f. Explore small playground at Schenck’s Island
g. Purchase lamppost banners and other signage that promote walking in the zone.
h. Implement Fitnessgram program through physical education departments at public schools
i. Work with collaborative partners to offer “Wellness Wednesday” activities throughout zone that students can safely walk to after school
II. IMPROVED EATING HABITS
a. Encourage restaurants to post calorie counts and healthy meal choices, especially for children
b. Produce video: “Healthy Foods Tour of Village Market”
c. Ask supermarkets to post “Did You Know” facts about healthy eating
d. Promote consumption of fresh produce: establish school garden at OLF; support and expand Farmer’s Market and Ambler Farm Stand; encourage vegetable gardening at home and Wilton community plots
e. Work with Library and Continuing Ed to present healthy eating/cooking programs for young people
f. Ask youth organizations to review vending/snack offerings for healthier options
III. POLICY/ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
a. Explore establishment of Wilton Wellness Commission
b. Support Greenway project
c. Participate in regional planning for Rt. 7 transportation corridor
d. Advocate for “Complete Streets” in areas of new development
e. Encourage local pediatricians to write prescriptions for more physical activity and improved diet utilizing programs described above
f. Seek other grants to supplement funding of RWJ anti-obesity programs
g. Create an “Advocate for Fit Kids” seal of approval that programs, organizations, events can subscribe to
Stay tuned for more information as soon as it is available.
First, thank you all for your time to date. As I think we mentioned, the initial meetings were used to help us formulate a plan to be submitted to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Y-USA on the eventual expenditure of the grant money. That plan needs to be submitted by next Monday and Karen and I feel like we have a really good start to getting that accomplished.
Once the grant is accepted (or denied) we will begin the challenging work of putting those items in place - and that's when the committees will start meeting again. Until we get the nod of approval, we don't want to start working towards our goal only to be told to stop and rethink. We don't feel that's going to happen as we believe we have a good solid plan to submit.
I am sending the outline of the overall plan for your information. Remember, that we are not bound to just this framework as we go along but this gives us a good starting point. We don't know exactly when we'll hear from the governing bodies but as soon as we do - you will know.
Here's the outline of the proposed plan for the grant:
I. INCREASE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN YOUTH
a. Establish a “Pedestrian Zone” encompassing majority of youth-centered sites
b. Purchase bike racks to place in key locations of zone and explore “loanable” bicycles
c. Encourage use of parking hubs within zone to discourage driving short distances
d. Install informational kiosks at high traffic sites with trail maps, town park locations, etc.
e. Develop “Wellness Park” at corner of Rt. 7/School Road
f. Explore small playground at Schenck’s Island
g. Purchase lamppost banners and other signage that promote walking in the zone.
h. Implement Fitnessgram program through physical education departments at public schools
i. Work with collaborative partners to offer “Wellness Wednesday” activities throughout zone that students can safely walk to after school
II. IMPROVED EATING HABITS
a. Encourage restaurants to post calorie counts and healthy meal choices, especially for children
b. Produce video: “Healthy Foods Tour of Village Market”
c. Ask supermarkets to post “Did You Know” facts about healthy eating
d. Promote consumption of fresh produce: establish school garden at OLF; support and expand Farmer’s Market and Ambler Farm Stand; encourage vegetable gardening at home and Wilton community plots
e. Work with Library and Continuing Ed to present healthy eating/cooking programs for young people
f. Ask youth organizations to review vending/snack offerings for healthier options
III. POLICY/ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
a. Explore establishment of Wilton Wellness Commission
b. Support Greenway project
c. Participate in regional planning for Rt. 7 transportation corridor
d. Advocate for “Complete Streets” in areas of new development
e. Encourage local pediatricians to write prescriptions for more physical activity and improved diet utilizing programs described above
f. Seek other grants to supplement funding of RWJ anti-obesity programs
g. Create an “Advocate for Fit Kids” seal of approval that programs, organizations, events can subscribe to
Stay tuned for more information as soon as it is available.
Friday, May 21, 2010
May is National Bike Month
"Since 1956, May has been recognized as National Bike Month. The third week in May is designated Bike to Work Week; and the third Friday of May is Bike to Work Day."
Wouldn't it be neat to have a bike to "school" week? Or a bike to "school" day? Our kids wouldn't have to bike the whole way - maybe they are picked up at their bus stop - with their bikes - and then dropped in the center of town. Then the whole group bikes to their schools using safe routes such as the Merwin Meadows path escorted by bicycle cops!
"Over 66% of the adult US population is overweight and 32% of the US is obese. Statistics on the lack of physical activity among children are also alarming. Most children are driven to school in cars or buses, and one child out of every 4 is overweight."
Employers in the community benefit from a healthy, active workforce as well. What if we encouraged a bike to your "destination" day? Everyone would be safe because there would be more bikes on the roads that day than cars! Kids could bike to school, adults could bike to work - and we'd all be a little more productive that day because we started it right!
FYI: For a 180 pound man, a 10 mile round trip bike commute burns 400 calories. For a 130-pound woman this same commute burns 300 calories!
I suppose it's too late to plan a bike to school day for this May but I'd love to see a group come together to plan a National Bike Month program for next May. Anyone?
Wouldn't it be neat to have a bike to "school" week? Or a bike to "school" day? Our kids wouldn't have to bike the whole way - maybe they are picked up at their bus stop - with their bikes - and then dropped in the center of town. Then the whole group bikes to their schools using safe routes such as the Merwin Meadows path escorted by bicycle cops!
"Over 66% of the adult US population is overweight and 32% of the US is obese. Statistics on the lack of physical activity among children are also alarming. Most children are driven to school in cars or buses, and one child out of every 4 is overweight."
Employers in the community benefit from a healthy, active workforce as well. What if we encouraged a bike to your "destination" day? Everyone would be safe because there would be more bikes on the roads that day than cars! Kids could bike to school, adults could bike to work - and we'd all be a little more productive that day because we started it right!
FYI: For a 180 pound man, a 10 mile round trip bike commute burns 400 calories. For a 130-pound woman this same commute burns 300 calories!
I suppose it's too late to plan a bike to school day for this May but I'd love to see a group come together to plan a National Bike Month program for next May. Anyone?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
School nutrition
As promised - I thought I'd shed some light on the school lunch program. The Connecticut Department of Education mandates many aspects of the school operations (some funded, some unfunded) telling them what they can and cannot do. Of course, the Connecticut mandates are derived from the federal mandates.
School lunches are no different and are also mandated. However, the school lunch program does carry some funding if the school agrees to participate in the National School Lunch Program which then follows the Connecticut Nutrition Standards.
"The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) developed the Connecticut Nutrition Standards in response to Section 10-215e of the Connecticut General Statutes, which requires the CSDE to publish a set of nutrition standards for food items offered for sale to students separately from a reimbursable school lunch or breakfast.
The Connecticut Nutrition Standards focus on limiting fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and added sugars, moderating portion sizes, and promoting increased intake of nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat/nonfat dairy products, lean meats, legumes, nuts and seeds. The nutrients addressed in the Connecticut Nutrition Standards are based on current nutrition science and national health recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPyramid and national organizations, such as the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. They are supported by 28 health and education organizations in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Nutrition Standards are reviewed annually by the CSDE state nutrition standards committee and are updated as needed to reflect changes in nutrition science and national health recommendations. They are published by January 1 of each year to be effective for the following school year (July 1 through June 30)."
If you would like to read the Connecticut Nutrition Standards - click here.
I have never eaten at any of the Wilton schools and have only spoken to a child or two about school lunch so I can't even begin to judge the nutritional standards but I do believe the schools are heading in the right direction with the farm to cafeteria program they are establishing (at least at the high school level).
I'd love to "hear" what others think of the school lunch program - especially if you have first hand knowledge (as in you have eaten lunch at the school and you know what they serve!).
Obviously, good nutrition starts at home but the schools should be supporting a healthy lifestyle through educating our children on the best choices they can make throughout the school day.
School lunches are no different and are also mandated. However, the school lunch program does carry some funding if the school agrees to participate in the National School Lunch Program which then follows the Connecticut Nutrition Standards.
"The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) developed the Connecticut Nutrition Standards in response to Section 10-215e of the Connecticut General Statutes, which requires the CSDE to publish a set of nutrition standards for food items offered for sale to students separately from a reimbursable school lunch or breakfast.
The Connecticut Nutrition Standards focus on limiting fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and added sugars, moderating portion sizes, and promoting increased intake of nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat/nonfat dairy products, lean meats, legumes, nuts and seeds. The nutrients addressed in the Connecticut Nutrition Standards are based on current nutrition science and national health recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPyramid and national organizations, such as the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. They are supported by 28 health and education organizations in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Nutrition Standards are reviewed annually by the CSDE state nutrition standards committee and are updated as needed to reflect changes in nutrition science and national health recommendations. They are published by January 1 of each year to be effective for the following school year (July 1 through June 30)."
If you would like to read the Connecticut Nutrition Standards - click here.
I have never eaten at any of the Wilton schools and have only spoken to a child or two about school lunch so I can't even begin to judge the nutritional standards but I do believe the schools are heading in the right direction with the farm to cafeteria program they are establishing (at least at the high school level).
I'd love to "hear" what others think of the school lunch program - especially if you have first hand knowledge (as in you have eaten lunch at the school and you know what they serve!).
Obviously, good nutrition starts at home but the schools should be supporting a healthy lifestyle through educating our children on the best choices they can make throughout the school day.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Go Take a Hike (It must be Friday!)
Once again the weekend weather sounds like the perfect time to get out and get some exercise with the family. This week's featured property is the Harrison Smith Preserve.
The 23 acre Harrison Smith Preserve combines the beauty of a New England woodland with historical glimpses of Wilton in a bygone era. Created in 1974 when the Smith family generously donated the land to the Wilton Land Conservation Trust. The northern most section of the Smith Preserve borders Quarry Head. Smith Preserve and Quarry Head together, give citizens of Wilton a combined area of nearly 60 acres of open space, with interconnecting trails for passive recreation and spiritual refreshment.
Directions: From Wilton Center, go north on Route 33 (Ridgefield Road) for ±3 miles to Keeler’s Ridge Road. The park entrances are found off the south end of Keeler’s Ridge Road and just north of the northern Keeler’s Ridge Road entrance on the right.
Acreage: ±23
Parking: On Keeler’s Ridge Road; from Quarry Head.
Access: Best through Quarry Head; off Ridgefield Road and off Keeler’s Ridge Road.
Trails: Scenic woodland trails for hiking and horse back riding. Distance not available.
Ownership: Wilton Land Conservation Trust
For more information on the Harrison Smith Preserve click here.
The 23 acre Harrison Smith Preserve combines the beauty of a New England woodland with historical glimpses of Wilton in a bygone era. Created in 1974 when the Smith family generously donated the land to the Wilton Land Conservation Trust. The northern most section of the Smith Preserve borders Quarry Head. Smith Preserve and Quarry Head together, give citizens of Wilton a combined area of nearly 60 acres of open space, with interconnecting trails for passive recreation and spiritual refreshment.
Directions: From Wilton Center, go north on Route 33 (Ridgefield Road) for ±3 miles to Keeler’s Ridge Road. The park entrances are found off the south end of Keeler’s Ridge Road and just north of the northern Keeler’s Ridge Road entrance on the right.
Acreage: ±23
Parking: On Keeler’s Ridge Road; from Quarry Head.
Access: Best through Quarry Head; off Ridgefield Road and off Keeler’s Ridge Road.
Trails: Scenic woodland trails for hiking and horse back riding. Distance not available.
Ownership: Wilton Land Conservation Trust
For more information on the Harrison Smith Preserve click here.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Will menu labeling help prevent obesity?
According to a recent study I just read - yes - menu labeling will make a difference. In a study prepared by the County of Public Health for Los Angeles: "The results suggest that mandated menu labeling at fast food and other large chain restaurants could reduce population weight gain, even with only modest changes in consumer behavior. In addition, simulations of a range of scenarios suggest that the impact on population weight gain could be greatly enhanced if community education efforts, pricing incentives or other strategies were undertaken to increase the degree to which restaurant patrons use the posted information to select reduced calorie meals."
The healthy food/nutrition subcommittee has suggested that we approach our local restaurants and ask them to consider posting calorie contents on menus or at the very least offer low-calorie options.
If you'd like to read the full study on the menu labeling head to - http://www.cspinet.org/new/pdf/la_co._menu_labeling_report.pdf
They also suggested that the Village Market be approached to offer a "did you know" series - maybe as you walk in the front door Nancy Dolnier could post a little healthy eating factoid (as prepared by the health/nutrition subcommittee) - about healthier choices.
For instance, did you know apricots contain beta-carotene, which helps prevent free-radical damage and protects the eyes. The body also turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, which may help ward off some cancers, especially of the skin. One apricot has 17 calories, 0 fat, 1 gram of fiber. Snack on them dried, or if you prefer fresh, buy when still firm; once they soften, they lose nutrients. This information was taken from the 29 healthiest foods on the planet. For more healthy food options head to: http://www.bellybytes.com/articles/29foods.shtml.
The healthy food/nutrition subcommittee has suggested that we approach our local restaurants and ask them to consider posting calorie contents on menus or at the very least offer low-calorie options.
If you'd like to read the full study on the menu labeling head to - http://www.cspinet.org/new/pdf/la_co._menu_labeling_report.pdf
They also suggested that the Village Market be approached to offer a "did you know" series - maybe as you walk in the front door Nancy Dolnier could post a little healthy eating factoid (as prepared by the health/nutrition subcommittee) - about healthier choices.
For instance, did you know apricots contain beta-carotene, which helps prevent free-radical damage and protects the eyes. The body also turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, which may help ward off some cancers, especially of the skin. One apricot has 17 calories, 0 fat, 1 gram of fiber. Snack on them dried, or if you prefer fresh, buy when still firm; once they soften, they lose nutrients. This information was taken from the 29 healthiest foods on the planet. For more healthy food options head to: http://www.bellybytes.com/articles/29foods.shtml.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
As I write this, I am packing to head to my nieces college graduation in Vienna, WV! So forgive me for missing a week of go take a hike! I'll get back to my regular routine next week and hope you all have taken the opportunity to get out and hike Wilton's many parks.
As I was driving around today running some errands to get ready for my golf outing on Monday, I was listening to Dr. Laura advise the father of a 10 year old that under no circumstances should he allow his daughter to walk to school with her friend. "There's all sorts of crazy things that can happen to them," she said. Maybe. And I will never second guess your concerns as a parent but if your child comes to you and says they want to take a walk - shouldn't you find a way to accommodate that? How about you follow behind them - from an unembarassing distance, of course!
We've gotten very busy as families and we no longer do family activities - no family meal, no family play time. When I was growing up, we had a family meal together every night - and on Sunday's we actually got to go out - as a family! Saturday mornings were reserved for chores around the yard and then it was neighborhood baseball time.
I know -I'm old and all that is passe!
I ask you to think about that fact that your child will live 10 years less than you will because of the food choices we have taught them to make and the sedentery lifestyle they are living.
Gives one pause, doesn't it?
Happy Mother's Day - we can make a difference and we can start today.
As I was driving around today running some errands to get ready for my golf outing on Monday, I was listening to Dr. Laura advise the father of a 10 year old that under no circumstances should he allow his daughter to walk to school with her friend. "There's all sorts of crazy things that can happen to them," she said. Maybe. And I will never second guess your concerns as a parent but if your child comes to you and says they want to take a walk - shouldn't you find a way to accommodate that? How about you follow behind them - from an unembarassing distance, of course!
We've gotten very busy as families and we no longer do family activities - no family meal, no family play time. When I was growing up, we had a family meal together every night - and on Sunday's we actually got to go out - as a family! Saturday mornings were reserved for chores around the yard and then it was neighborhood baseball time.
I know -I'm old and all that is passe!
I ask you to think about that fact that your child will live 10 years less than you will because of the food choices we have taught them to make and the sedentery lifestyle they are living.
Gives one pause, doesn't it?
Happy Mother's Day - we can make a difference and we can start today.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Food pyramid outlines healthy eating for all
My thanks to Carol Johnson, chair of the healthy eating and nutrition subcommittee for giving me the info for this week's blog:
Staying healthy includes a balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise.
Practicing good nutrition and exercising regularly develops patterns that will keep you healthy throughout your lifetime.
Three basic rules for a healthy diet include:
* Variety
* Balance
* Moderation
An easy way to monitor these qualities is to follow the food pyramid.
The food pyramid provides variety in colors and textures of daily meals, and therefore, a variety in the range of nutrients you will receive.
Balance is simply eating the right amount of food from each level of the pyramid every day.
Moderation assures that you do not eat too much of any one type of food.
The five levels of the pyramid are:
1. Grains: bread, cereal, rice, pasta
2. Fruits
3. Vegetables
4. Milk, yogurt, cheese
5. Meats, fish
Sample meals and portions according to age and size are all available on line at www.mypyramid.gov.
Remember, the Wilton Farmer's Market opens tomorrow at 2 pm in the Library parking lot - lots of good, healthy spring produce!
Staying healthy includes a balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise.
Practicing good nutrition and exercising regularly develops patterns that will keep you healthy throughout your lifetime.
Three basic rules for a healthy diet include:
* Variety
* Balance
* Moderation
An easy way to monitor these qualities is to follow the food pyramid.
The food pyramid provides variety in colors and textures of daily meals, and therefore, a variety in the range of nutrients you will receive.
Balance is simply eating the right amount of food from each level of the pyramid every day.
Moderation assures that you do not eat too much of any one type of food.
The five levels of the pyramid are:
1. Grains: bread, cereal, rice, pasta
2. Fruits
3. Vegetables
4. Milk, yogurt, cheese
5. Meats, fish
Sample meals and portions according to age and size are all available on line at www.mypyramid.gov.
Remember, the Wilton Farmer's Market opens tomorrow at 2 pm in the Library parking lot - lots of good, healthy spring produce!
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