Healthy Eating
Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence is important for proper growth and development and to prevent various health conditions. The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that people aged 2 years or older follow a healthy eating pattern that include a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, a variety of protein foods and oils.
BVSD's Food Services program is nationally known as a model for healthy school food and nutrition programs aimed at ensuring students are healthy and ready to learn.
Being Active
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition recommends that children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.
Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance (e.g., memory), and classroom behaviors (e.g., on-task behavior). Higher physical activity and physical fitness levels are associated with improved cognitive performance (e.g., concentration, memory) among students.
Sleep
Adequate sleep contributes to a student’s overall health and well-being. Youth who do not get enough sleep have a higher risk for many health problems, including obesity, diabetes, poor mental health, and injuries. They are also more likely to have attention and behavior problems, which can contribute to poor academic performance in school.
As a parent you can model good sleep habits and implement a media curfew. Technology use may contribute to late bedtimes.
Want more resources? Talk to your school nurse or visit the Health Services page.