Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg announced a new statewide childhood health campaign called “5210 – Healthy Choices Count." The campaign is a public-private partnership with the Healthiest State Initiative and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) to combat childhood obesity. 5210 is a nationally recognized childhood obesity prevention program that focuses on the importance of four simple daily health habits:

• 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables;
• 2 hours or less of screen time;
• 1 hour or more of physical activity; and
• 0 (or reduced) sugar-sweetened beverages.

For more information, visit the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative webpage! To promote 5-2-1-0, schools can request printed copies of the posters in the photo (11x17 inches). Please e-mail carrie.scheidel@iowa.gov with the quantity and mailing address. Look for more ways to implement 5-2-1-0 in future newsletters!

Research supports the important connection between health and learning, showing that health-related barriers limit students’ ability and motivation to learn, and that improving access to healthy foods and physical activities can positively influence the health of students and improve academic achievement.

School improvement plans provide a key opportunity to consider the needs of the whole child when developing plans for strengthening student academic achievement. When health and wellness are incorporated into a school improvement plan, whether as a goal, strategy or as a part of supporting activities, they become part of the foundation of a district and/or school rather than an add-on or extra task. They are measured and tracked as a part of a school’s accountability system, and part of a systemic and cyclical process of review.

CDC has developed a resource, "A Guide for Incorporating Health and Wellness into School Improvement Plans" that can assist with this process.

Action for Healthy Kids and National PTA, with support from ALDI, have teamed up to create ParentsforHealthyKids.org, a new website that teaches parents how to get involved in school health and wellness to create healthier schools where kids can thrive. The interactive site includes:

Like a Boss: everything you need to navigate the hallways of school health and wellness.

Hot Topics: physical activity & P.E., recess, snacks, fundraisers and policy.

A Community Forum: exchange ideas and connect with other parents.

Since overall health and well-being is greatly influenced by where we live, learn, work and play, the Healthiest State Initiative has created annual awards to recognize and, monetarily reward, workplaces, schools, communities and individuals for advancing efforts to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of their employees, students and citizens.

Award applications are due by November 30, 2017. Three finalists will be recognized at an event on February 15, 2018, with one winner receiving financial compensation. For more information, visit http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/events/awards/.

The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act Amendments of 2008 made important changes to the meaning and interpretation of the term "disability" under the ADA and under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. After the passage of the Act, most physical and mental impairments will constitute a disability.

The November webinar, part of the monthly What's New in School Nutrition webinar series, will address the impact to School Nutrition programs, processes, and documentation. The webinar will be held on Monday, November 27th 2-3pm. Click here to register!