Sometimes we just need to walk (or run) it off! Can it be that a long walk or run can change your entire mood? It’s true; exercise can put you in a good mood. When you exercise, your body makes a chemical – called an endorphin – that helps you feel good. Getting enough exercise is an important part of overall health. Now that spring is here, it’s time to grab the family, go outside and get moving.

Outdoor play can help the body by:

•  increasing fitness levels and building active, healthy bodies
• raising levels of Vitamin D which helps protect bone strength and may help in the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes
• may help improve distance vision
• may help you breathe easier

Outdoor play can help the mind by:

• improving focus throughout the day
• helping kids score higher on tests
• improving critical thinking on projects

Outdoor play can help the spirit by:

• lowering stress levels
• protecting emotional development and lowering the risk of anxiety and depression
• enhancing social interactions and helping kids value community
• enhancing sleep time and quality

Be sure to check out our “Move It! The Importance of Daily Exercise” and “Get Out and Enjoy Nature” lessons to help the kids in your life stay fit and keep moving!

While spring is technically around the corner (March 20 to be exact), we’re still spending a significant amount of time indoors. In order to reduce germs and lower our chances of getting sick, it’s important to practice good hand-washing techniques.

Washing your hands is the easiest way to reduce the risk of spreading germs that cause infections. Hands get more germs on them than other parts of your body.

Everyone can benefit from learning good hand-washing techniques. You should your wash hands after:

• using the bathroom
• blowing your nose
• coughing
• sneezing
• before eating

If you can’t get to a sink, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Your friends and family will thank you!

Be sure to check out our “Wash Hands for Health!” and “Hand-Washing: A Weapon Against Germs!” lessons to help the kids in your life increase their chances of staying well!

And, until spring actually gets here, stay warm!