Building Healthy Communities

02/06/2026

This month, one of the topics we're focusing on is mindfulness—starting with the power of the breath. Taking just a few intentional breaths can reduce stress, improve focus, and bring you back to the present moment. Inhale calm, exhale tension. Let’s make space for mindfulness together 🌬💙

02/05/2026

A delicious way to keep little bones strong! This Kid-Friendly Sunshine Smoothie is packed with calcium & vitamin D—essential for growing kids!

Why it's great for kids:
Milk & Greek yogurt = Calcium for strong bones & teeth
Mango & fortified milk = Vitamin D for better calcium absorption
Banana & chia seeds = Fiber & energy for active little ones

Easy Recipe:
1 cup fortified milk
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 banana
1/2 cup frozen mango
1 tsp chia seeds
Blend & enjoy a nutritious, kid-approved treat! 💛

02/04/2026

Your body was made to move!

This month, we’re focusing on the importance of quality physical activity and the incredible benefits it brings to your health. Regular movement strengthens your heart, boosts mental well-being, improves sleep, and increases energy levels. Plus, exercise releases endorphins, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Whether it’s a walk, a workout, or stretching, find what makes you feel strong and stick with it. Prioritize movement this month and feel the difference! 💪✨

02/03/2026

Milk & Dairy: Packed with Benefits!

Dairy products are more than just delicious—they’re powerhouses of nutrition! From calcium for strong bones 🦴 to protein for muscle growth 💪, dairy fuels your body in so many ways. Plus, it supports gut health, boosts immunity, and keeps you energized throughout the day!

✨ Easy Tip: Swap your usual snack for Greek yogurt with fruit, add cheese to your salad, or blend milk into your morning smoothie for a tasty, nutritious boost! Whether it’s a glass of milk, a cup of yogurt, or a slice of cheese, adding dairy to your diet can help keep you feeling strong and healthy!

02/02/2026

01/30/2026

Fun Friday Indoor Recess Idea: Obstacle Course Madness Edition!

Set up tunnels, jump zones, and balance beams for a FUN-tastic indoor challenge! Who can race to the finish the fastest? Let the Fun Friday games begin! 🎉

Setup:
- Start Line: Mark a starting point with tape or a small sign.
- Crawl Zone: Set up a tunnel using chairs with a blanket draped over them. Kids must crawl through!
- Jump Zone: Lay out pillows or hula hoops for kids to jump over or hop through.
- Balance Beam: Use a piece of tape on the floor or a sturdy board for kids to walk across without “falling.”
- Target Toss: Place a laundry basket at the end and have kids toss a stuffed animal inside before racing to the finish!

How to Play:
- Line up the kids at the start.
- One at a time, they race through the course, completing each challenge.
- Time each player and see who can complete it the fastest!
- Repeat with new challenges or mix up the obstacles for added fun.

01/29/2026

Table Talk: Theme Night

Make mealtime more than just eating, turn it into an adventure! Try a Table Talk Theme Night, where each meal has a fun conversation theme like Silly Storytelling, Travel Dreams, or Kindness Conversations. No screens, just laughs, creativity, and connection!

01/28/2026

Fuel your little ones with this protein-packed Cheesy Chicken & Veggie Quesadilla! Perfect for picky eaters, loaded with lean chicken, melted cheese, and hidden veggies.

Ingredients:
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
- 1/4 cup cooked, shredded chicken (great source of protein)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp black beans (optional for extra protein)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped veggies (like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini)
- 1 tsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)

Instructions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with olive oil or butter.
- Lay the tortilla flat in the skillet.
- On one half of the tortilla, evenly spread chicken, cheese, black beans, and veggies.
- Fold the tortilla in half and press lightly.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip carefully and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, and slice into wedges.

Why It’s Great:
- Chicken and beans provide lean protein to fuel growing bodies.
- Veggies add vitamins and fiber.
- Whole wheat tortilla offers healthy carbs for energy.
- Serve with a side of salsa or Greek yogurt for dipping!

01/28/2026

Fuel your little ones with this protein-packed Cheesy Chicken & Veggie Quesadilla! Perfect for picky eaters, loaded with lean chicken, melted cheese, and hidden veggies.

Ingredients:
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
- 1/4 cup cooked, shredded chicken (great source of protein)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp black beans (optional for extra protein)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped veggies (like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini)
- 1 tsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)

Instructions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with olive oil or butter.
- Lay the tortilla flat in the skillet.
- On one half of the tortilla, evenly spread chicken, cheese, black beans, and veggies.
- Fold the tortilla in half and press lightly.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip carefully and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, and slice into wedges.

Why It’s Great:
- Chicken and beans provide lean protein to fuel growing bodies.
- Veggies add vitamins and fiber.
- Whole wheat tortilla offers healthy carbs for energy.
- Serve with a side of salsa or Greek yogurt for dipping!

01/27/2026

The protein group is sometimes called the “meat group” even though there are many kinds of protein found in plants as well. 🍳🌱

Examples of protein foods are meat, fish, beans, tofu, nuts, nut butters, and eggs. Protein can be found in other food groups, but the examples just mentioned are mostly all protein. Lean proteins are healthy everyday proteins for our body. 💪🧠

Today, you can look at the difference between
lean proteins meant for everyday consumption
and less healthy proteins not meant to be eaten daily here in this video from BHC: (https://youtu.be/Zp7SoCbe4lU)

01/26/2026

Mindful Monday Reminder 🌟

Take a moment to truly enjoy your meals today. Slowing down and being present while eating not only makes food taste better but also helps you recognize when you're full.

Create a peaceful mealtime space, ditch the screens and focus on the experience. Small changes can make a big difference!