The Chicago Wolves are excited to present “Howl For Your Health”, presented by Vista Health System, a program challenging America’s youth and their families and schools to incorporate physical activity into the everyday lives of students. Since 1980, obesity has more than doubled among children ages 2-3 and more than tripled among youth ages 6-11 and adolescents ages 12-19. Recent data published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in May 2008, continue to underscore the staggering health effects from obesity which include: increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers from this epidemic in children.
“Howl For Your Health” is designed to use Wolves’ resources to bring America’s sedentary habits to light and initiate changes that can be used to maintain a healthy lifestyle for our students. This program uses activity charts, healthy lifestyle tips and posters to create an environment of self-awareness in the home and the schools.
In addition to the activity goal charts, we are using a physical fitness test to help students see improvement in their fitness level. Four physical tests will be administered by the physical education teacher and can include: a shuttle run, sit-up minute test, push up test, one mile run/walk, sit and reach or any other test of your choosing. The students will be tested in the beginning of the program and then again at the conclusion to determine improvement.
Those students who improve in three of the four physical tests AND/OR complete their activity charts will receive a certificate redeemable for a complimentary ticket to a select 2009-10 Chicago Wolves home game.
If your school or district is interested in participating in the “Howl For Your Health” program, please contact Victoria Zimmerman at 847-832-1954 or email at vazimmerman@chicagowolves.com.
Learn How to Read Nutrition Labels
People look at food labels for different reasons. But whatever the reason, many consumers would like to know how to use this information more effectively and easily. The following label-reading skills are intended to make it easier for you to use nutrition labels to make quick, informed food choices that contribute to a healthy diet.
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Fast Food FactsFrom burgers to burritos, get the real scoop about the fast food we eat every day.
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Healthy Living Tips:
Drink 1-2 cups of fluid before a game or practice and take in 4-8 ounces every 15-20 minutes during exercise. Drink at least 2 cups of fluid afterward. Some people even weigh themselves before and after they exercise, drinking 2-3 cups of fluid for every pound lost.
Did you know calcium in milk and other milk products helps you grow and defends your bones from breaking? It’s not just milk either, try green vegetables like broccoli, brussel sprouts and mustard greens. Even beans have calcium along with lots of fiber.
Can’t drink milk? Try low fat yogurt or cheese and soy milk to sink the puck and make your bones strong. Have two servings a day up to 8 yrs old and three servings for those that are older.
Thirsty? Fight back against that heat by drinking mostly water or other low calorie drinks. Dump the pop or fruit drink; you’ll feel better in the long run. Milk is good, but it won’t quench your thirst. Drink several cups of fluid, such as water, diluted fruit juice, or sports drinks before and after your game or practice.
Whole grain bread kicks the stuffing out of white bread. It has more fiber and vitamins and even calcium! Don’t eat the wimpy white, step up to the goal line and eat at least 3 servings a day of whole grain bread and cereals.
Don’t oil your way to the net. Go lightly on the fried foods, especially fries and chips. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, air-popped popcorn, pretzels, dried fruits and nuts. You’ll get around more easily on the ice.
Make sure to eat breakfast. It gives your brain energy for school and your muscles the fuel they need to glide around the rink. People who skip breakfast tend to weigh more.
Sugary foods don’t make you strong, they rob the body of vitamins you would get if you ate naturally sweet foods such as fresh strawberries, juicy grapes or crisp apples. Power snack on fruit and cheese or peanut butter and whole grain crackers. They give you both energy and strength for your game.
Wolves Recipe Favorites:
“I love making fruit smoothies to have with any meal of the day. My favorite flavor for smoothies is raspberry and blueberry.”-Center Riley Holzapfel
Rileys Rasberry Smoothie
- 1/2 Cup washed, stemmed raspberries
- Honey to taste
- 1/2 Cup plain, low-fat yogurt
- 1/4 Cup orange juice
Fill with a few ice cubes in a blender, blend and sit back to enjoy a Wolves game!
Alternate recipe:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen red raspberries
- 1 cup nonfat or 1 percent milk
- 3 Tbsp. red raspberry preserves
- 4 ice cubes
- 2 scoops plain or vanilla soy protein powder
Combine ingredients in blender. Cover and blend at high speed for about 1 minute.
Makes 2 servings.
Workout Tip:
Proper stretching before and after activity is very important. Stretching should be a smooth steady movement without bouncing, held for about 30 seconds. Proper stretching can help prevent injury and keep you in the game.
