WELLNESS WEEK

On Friday June 17, 2011 we held a meeting at our Center to celebrate Wellness Week and orientate our students about the HEALs program. This meeting aimed to inform all students about the changes that have been made in the cafeteria to promote good nutrition. These changes include but are not limited to the reduction of the offering of soft drinks, juices, introduction of Crystal Light Low-calorie, replacement of regular sugar and refined flours, sweeteners derived from sugar and wheat, respectively. Similarly, fried foods have been reduced, by baking or promoting alternatives using canola oil and 0 Trans fat. At breakfast, cereals high in sugars were eliminated and milk was replaced by regular low-fat milk. Snacks have been switched to healthier options such as low-calorie granola bars and yogurt. Reduced food portions have been and the intake of fruits and vegetables has been increased. Emphasis was placed on eating healthy, drinking water and maintaining physical activity.

From 20 to June 24, 2011 we celebrated the Wellness Week, which introduced the HEALs program. This week various activities were held daily at our center. On Monday June 20 we began placing ads referring to our commitment to eating healthy, staying active and providing HEALs program guidance. The first two days of the week, the Health Teacher at our Center, Mrs. Iolda Rivera, gave our students at various orientations about Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Management.

During these orientations, students were very attentive and motivated to ask questions. They learned how to calculate their body mass index and understand risks of obesity, among other things.

On Wednesday, afternoon we held Zumba classes to promote physical activity.

On Thursday, the counselors of each trade showed the movie Super Size Me. On Friday, students were invited to the trade to participate by creating and ad urging people to eat healthy and stay active. The contest will be held after the return from summer vacation. The Wellness Week was closed successfully with the participation of all employees during the orientation on Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Management, offered by Mrs. Rivera.

Blog Writer: María de los Ángeles Mercado-Laboy, Health and Wellness Services