Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) promotes healthy living habits and reduces and prevents youth tobacco use and childhood obesity statewide. VFHY receives no taxpayer funds. Since they began working with youth in 2001, they have helped cut the youth smoking rate in Virginia more than in half. PACA and the school division have received two Healthy Community Action Team grants from VFHY to combat childhood obesity.These grants support community coalitions that utilize evidence-based best practices as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and the Institute of Medicine. Page County Public Schools has also received VFHY grants to prevention tobacco use by using evidence-based programs in the schools.
|
Tips and Facts About Being More Active
• For every hour spent in front of the computer, take a 10 minute break to stretch and walk around. • Walk around the house while talking on the phone. • Encourage kids to get outside and play afterschool before settling down to do homework. • In 2011, 29% of high school students surveyed had participated in at least 60 minutes per day of physical activity on all 7 days before the survey, and only 31% attended physical education class daily. • Having good posture helps keep your core muscle strong. • When watching TV, come up with a few exercises to do during commercials. • Physical activity helps to: control your weight, reduces your risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and some cancers, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve mental health, mood, ability to do daily activities, and increase your chances of living longer. |
Tips and Facts About Staying Healthy
• Low-fat and fat-free dairy contains all the calcium and protein of whole milk with less calories and fat. Both are good for strong muscles and bones, but low-fat dairy is better for your waistline. • Fresh fruit is the ultimate fast food. It even comes in its own edible wrapper. • Obesity increases with an increased distance from a grocery store. • Make sure you are eating the correct portion size. • Cut down on trans fat to help keep your heart healthy. • When changing your diet, make it a slow process. It won't happen overnight. • Water is a very important part of your diet. Drink plenty of it so you will not become dehydrated. Dehydration causes tiredness, low energy, and headaches. • We often mistake ourselves to be hungry rather than thirsty. When you think you are hungry, drink a glass of water to see if you are actually just thirsty. |