Healthy U

Paperclip Communications

Since September is National Skin Care Awareness Month, National Yoga Month, Better Breakfast Month and Fruits & Veggies-More Matters Month, it's the perfect time to focus on healthy living! Here are some ways you can do just that with your student:

• Head to www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov to discover how many fruits and veggies you need, as well as what counts as a serving. Then send this info on to your student, as a chart he can post on his fridge or an online document that he can refer to.

• Send/give your student a favorite skin care item as a surprise.

• Take a yoga class or do some other form of exercise and then talk with your student about how it made you feel.

• Have a Fruit 'n Veggie Taste Test one night with your family, trying different produce like star fruit, pomegranates, butternut squash and more. If your student lives away, take photos (here's Dad with kiwi slices for eyes!) and send them along.

Even if you and your student are separated by distance, it doesn't mean you can't support one another in the quest to live a healthier, happier life. In fact, it's vitally important that you serve as one another's cheerleaders in this pursuit. Here's to a healthier U!

A Healthy Breakfast

According to the Mayo Clinic, here is what forms the core of a healthy breakfast:

• Whole Grains. Include whole-grain rolls, bagels, hot or cold whole-grain cereals, low-fat bran muffins, crackers or melba toast.

• Low-fat Protein. Include hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, lean slices of meat and poultry, or fish, such as water-packed tuna or slices of salmon.

• Low-fat Dairy. Include skim milk, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheeses, such as cottage and natural cheeses.

• Fruits and Vegetables. Include fresh fruits and vegetables or 100 percent juice beverages without added sugar.

• Experts at the Mayo Clinic suggest choosing one or two options from each category to round out a healthy breakfast. These options are available in the campus dining halls-students can get creative with what they mix and match to create good, healthy breakfasts.


Source: www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/NU00197

You may also contact the Illini Union Parent Programs Office anytime you have questions or concerns. If we don't have the answers immediately, we will work to find them for you.