Dear Parents/Guardian,

Happy New Year!  Hopefully your holiday season was joyful and you are looking forward to a great rest of the school year.

As we usher in another New Year, 2014, many Americans are taking the opportunity to commit to a healthier lifestyle through New Year’s resolutions. Whether you choose to lose weight, to stop smoking, or even to start an exercise program don't forget about your children. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to make resolutions that also will affect the health and wellbeing of their children. One way to help your child is by showing them how to make good food choices.  Let your child help in the selection of meal choices following the recommendations from the new government Food Round Plate Nutrition Guide.  Try to emphasize proper weight, and to participate in a consistent exercise program.  Research has shown that living an active lifestyle is healthier.  How much activity does it take to be considered a healthy lifestyle?  Around 10,000 steps a day for adults and over 12,000 steps for children!  NASPE (National Association for Sport and Physical Education encourages children to choose an active lifestyle which includes running, jumping, and playing for a minimum of 60 minutes every day!