. [https://www.teknas.com/images/lock.gif]This Message was Encrypted. Bronx Health REACH e-blast - Please share with others who may be interested! Upcoming Events and Deadlines Fitness Integrated in Teaching (FIT) Kids Act Sign on - by April 10 The American Heart Association is circulating a sign-on letter in support of the reintroduction of the Fitness Integrated in Teaching (FIT) Kids Act. The bill will be dropped shortly after Congress returns from the district work period on April 13. This bill has been modified this year to restore a 37% cut to the only source of federal grant funding dedicated to physical education (the Physical Education Program, or PEP. PEP provides grants to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and community-based organizations to initiate, expand, or enhance physical education programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade). The FIT Kids Act would provide support for PEP's work, including curriculum evaluation and fitness assessment reporting, data collection and professional development for health and physical education teachers. Studies show that kids who are physically active thrive both academically and socially. Not only does quality physical education for school age children help prevent childhood obesity, it also teaches them how to live a healthy lifestyle. These tools can be carried into adulthood, leading to fewer accounts of Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease which is currently a leading cause of preventable death. To sign on, please e-mail [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> with your organization name. The deadline to sign on is Friday, April 10 at noon. For more information about the sign-on letter please contact [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. For information about the bill's content, please contact [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. American Heart Association: Petition to Protect Physical Education in NYC The PE4All campaign is a coalition of community members and organizations working to protect students' rights to a quality physical education program in NYC schools. A PE reporting bill<http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2170477&GUID=2682A7A6-EE35-49F7-947A-4DC6FC69B2E2&Options=ID> has been introduced, which would require the NYC Department of Education to provide data on which schools are meeting state mandates for physical education. To support this campaign, the American Heart Association has created an online petition<https://yourethecure.org/aha/advocacy/composeletters.aspx?AlertID=36424#.VQm-qXs1KrU.email> where anyone can take action. If you'd like to get more involved, please contact Sascha at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or Erin at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> for more information. Summer Public Health Scholars Program-Response due April 10 This is a CDC-funded summer enrichment program designed to improve the diversity of the public health workforce while building skills to address health disparities. Program participants are undergraduate students or recent graduates from around the country. The program is a unique collaboration of Columbia University's College of Physicians & Surgeons, Mailman School of Public Health, School of Nursing, and College of Dental Medicine. Mentorships are a key component of the program design-if you or someone you know is a health professional/researcher and would be willing to mentor summer participants, please complete this mentor survey<https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SPHSPMentor2015> by April 10. Please see the 'Mentor Information Packet<https://www.dropbox.com/s/hg6mlslzrdheefw/CU%20Mentor%20Information%20Packet%202015.docx?dl=0>' which outlines the responsibilities of the mentor, the summer schedule, and how to apply for a summer intern. Visit this website<http://ps.columbia.edu/education/student-life/office-diversity/programs/college-and-post-baccalaureate-students/summer-publ> to learn more. Alcohol and Cancer: Assessing the Risk, Advocating for Change-April 16 This interactive symposium will be held on Thursday, 4/16 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Rosenthal Pavilion at the Kimmel Center of New York University. This event will explore the current state of research around alcohol and cancer, and present ways to work together to reduce that burden. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Wendy Tse Yared, Director of the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL). The cost for the event is $25, which includes lunch; scholarships are available for faith-based organizations. Please see the flier<https://www.dropbox.com/s/nnb2myn4ssdklo6/Alcohol%20%20Cancer%20Flier%204%2016%2015.pdf?dl=0> for more information and register for the event at: www.alcoholandcancer.info<http://www.alcoholandcancer.info> Upcoming Bronx Health REACH Meetings - April 16, May 21, June 5 The next Nutrition & Fitness Workgroup meeting will held on Thursday, April 16th from 3:30-5:30pm at the Morrisania D&TC (1225 Gerard Ave, Bronx NY 10452) and will be focused on school-based initiatives. (*Please note the time change! We have decided to move the time of our school-based meetings to the afternoon to accommodate school partners who might be able to attend after school hours). We plan to discuss standards-based health education, nutrition education and the Phys Ed for All campaign. For more information, please contact Kelly Moltzen at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or 212-633-0800 x 1328. Please also save the dates for the next Bronx Health REACH Nutrition & Fitness Workgroup meeting focused on community-based initiatives which will be held on May 21st from 9:30am-11:30am and the next Bronx Health REACH Coalition meeting which will be held Friday, June 5th from 9:30am-12:00pm. Gardening 101 Professional Development Course-April 18 to May 30 (Saturdays) The New York Botanical Garden<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014nangipSrEXy3LiAtrrsfVlcInda5nxOrqB3zuB63basWnP7B6Ogepeh8Y95_oAdLuxpN2cvEM1WFfs2JmIlv5j3acuJL7Ui2f2_VgNyk93ppqFjXp63QNgleD6TJobkgWgYTqsqpaPYp043eqIOVnJuXELF_pLMxmPzmCVukvY=&c=DeR4mgF5TJMv4Kp1nly1ZrHhf3WbjI2e9KvV2XRkZ61ziamcKx9RuA==&ch=U0ugVFifu_LgeBhy4JslNsMVVnsk5VPkpUyuvhuN-K2vGEJIuqO9Ig==> has created another session of their Gardening 101 P-credit course<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014nangipSrEXy3LiAtrrsfVlcInda5nxOrqB3zuB63basWnP7B6OgevtR_3l3vTUt_1ef5TnSHVU0KfQcn4jxhx0TmJvCx3XqH_kL040Fy92cHUkwt8Sf9uovm84Swa_R7bUH_Lj44UV0EtbrpxdJjCUb0sIbGcZvatcUikfl8_ygZwqXI9sGd9WXsWbkdntWJNb_C-_yJAEFQ1GZrzmK2g==&c=DeR4mgF5TJMv4Kp1nly1ZrHhf3WbjI2e9KvV2XRkZ61ziamcKx9RuA==&ch=U0ugVFifu_LgeBhy4JslNsMVVnsk5VPkpUyuvhuN-K2vGEJIuqO9Ig==>! The program provides a six-day immersion in which participants learn how to make teaching fun through field-tested, hands-on, inquiry-based activities. Sessions are offered April 18, 25 and May 2, 9, 16, 30 (Saturdays). Don't miss out! For an application or more information, email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or call 718.817.8140. Office of School Wellness Spring Grant Writing Session-April 23 Receive grant writing assistance on a host of school wellness grants by registering here<http://nyc.us7.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=1072fcd656&e=35026f7f4d> for a session in Long Island City on 4/23 from 12-2:00 p.m. Open grants to enhance current physical activity initiatives include Action for Healthy Kids<http://nyc.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=e59cc95687&e=35026f7f4d> ($1,000-2,500), Fuel Up to Play 60<http://nyc.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=77d1c85261&e=35026f7f4d> (up to $4,000), and KIDS in the GAME Go!<http://nyc.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=e81b8875f1&e=35026f7f4d> grants ($1,000-5,000). Application deadlines fall between May and June, so check links above for specific information. GoLocal: Cultivating Healthy Communities Grants Program-Application due May 6 The Aetna Foundation has launched a request for proposals for projects that promote the creation and expansion of community gardens, urban farms and farmers markets in underserved neighborhoods so that fresh fruits and vegetables are locally available, accessible and affordable. Read more about the application and guidelines here<http://www.aetna-foundation.org/foundation/assets/documents/2015go-local-rfp.pdf>. Save the Date: FitCity-May 11 The American Institute of Architects New York Chapter, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, is pleased to announce the tenth annual FitCity conference.The program will bring together architects, planners, designers, developers, government officials, community advocates, and public health professionals to discuss how design, policy, and practice decisions can create opportunities to increase physical activity, access to healthier food and beverages, and overall well-being. The event will take place Monday, May 11, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM at the New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 5th Avenue. Stay tuned for details on the agenda, speakers, and registration. Help Shape the Future of NYC Every four years, the Administration creates a plan to address New York's City's growth, sustainability, and resiliency. This year, Mayor Bill de Blasio has added equity as a key element of the plan, and you are invited to share your vision for New York City by taking the survey at nyc.gov/ideas<http://www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/planyc-survey.page>. Your ideas can be about anything: from the environment to jobs to education to affordable housing to transportation. School Programs and Resources Free Yoga Training for Qualifying Elementary School Teachers-Application due April 15 Yoga Foster<http://nyc.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=e336020207&e=35026f7f4d> offers free training, curriculum, and materials for Pre-K to 4 grade teachers at elementary schools with 70% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch. Please view the application<http://nyc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=a6b8d0a15e&e=35026f7f4d> and apply by 4/15. 5 Test Tips for Healthy Scores Help students perform their best this testing season by encouraging healthy habits. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation offers 5 tips from School Health Experts<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001a47ZoJb4XbzjzyW0XVpsojPfFGngjc0AGfAMXkLIw7BxA7aNaSvIFKW8foKDpd0ywGWXAkqCiUP1mkFdQbO2RAiUMvjS9LCrggfM382N83qp94dAiehS8E4vYwT9drksEmZz4410CYJDvaMS6srplUZ2uo4TKiaeVGoQYkasZILayVIbs38fzCZZ_hzNYD49lVXx51b0xTkN5wZ9g8N3ZQlrrcDlvq-8Hc9MwhCELYhLip2n2cRxr_O2B81KKFbRydZqJPrfXxQ290RLBb7W9vuZ8-SQpl2u4fHN67Rhsb2uGS3QnPl_NmGaqn7y9WCPKTn1agU8SganNLv8tDEDkt8u4fwhpbgvkqjm9_B_onkzmVCzU05AmMbkYFrVmLUzzmL_JnHgmz4lHgjGvHHPCuFRdyPPpHbSP4AoMooR_Yv2NlcviLALAqGpbwGi6CD6YeQ5u1i0zOo=&c=u1GhY6GVFx37bHAC3lLlXmrPiBWR1ljZubCPWFMFIND14ynxklrSTA==&ch=6Dqm_CGEku_lNVe_H5fGydJFF4L10NUsvK0CQJ9odei_vBnl8PPqYg==> that can help kids stay healthy and boost academic achievement. Common Threads In-School and After-School Cooking Program Common Threads offers NYC elementary and middle schools free in-school programs and after-school student and family cooking classes. To qualify, 80% of students in the school must be eligible to receive free/reduced lunch. For more information, contact [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Beecher's Pure Food Kids Cooking and Nutrition Education Workshops Schools can register for a free in-school 2.5 hour cooking and nutrition workshop for 4th and 5th grade students. The class will cover media literacy, reading and understanding food and nutrition labels, and balancing the body's energy needs. Students will have the opportunity to prepare and eat a healthy meal together. Learn more about the program and schedule a session at your school here<http://www.purefoodkids.org/pure-food-kids-workshop/#scheduling-resources>. School Rewards Added to New York Road Runners (NYRR) Programs For schools with Mighty Milers<http://nyc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=6bda48321b&e=d04ec93608> and Young Runners<http://nyc.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=af1b3f9703&e=d04ec93608> programs, NYRR now tracks how many milestones your school has reached and sends you a monthly rewards statement with links to prizes you can use to support any school initiative or program. Click here for more information<http://nyc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=0d79d4ecaf&e=d04ec93608>. Free CDC Podcasts on Health and Academic Achievement The body of evidence supporting the link between student health and academic achievement<http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/index.htm?utm_source=School+Wellness+Weekly&utm_campaign=0535879ab1-School+Wellness+Weekly%2C+3.6.15&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_dd6b60c864-0535879ab1-133781481&ct=t(School_Wellness_Weekly_3_6_2015)> continues to grow. Alongside these CDC Tips for Teachers<http://nyc.us7.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=0d3da28792&e=35026f7f4d>, get familiar with research linking nutrition and physical activity to improved academic achievement by listening to the nutrition podcast here<http://nyc.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=9edc1e6d7b&e=35026f7f4d> and the physical activity podcast here<http://nyc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=3c0c6c6029&e=35026f7f4d>. School Breakfast Resources Here are some ideas<http://nyc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=a2ebcdf33c&e=35026f7f4d>, posters<http://nyc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=460efe361e&e=35026f7f4d>, and educational resources<http://nyc.us7.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=bd46d2a82e&e=35026f7f4d> for your school to encourage students to start the day with a nutritious breakfast. You can discuss information about school breakfast programs<http://nyc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3dd407d8d8a355345c2ce5542&id=cd7dd65b21&e=35026f7f4d> available to NYC public schools with your wellness council or principal and plan ahead for next fall to increase participation in school breakfast. Check out these tips, resources, and success stories<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001a47ZoJb4XbzjzyW0XVpsojPfFGngjc0AGfAMXkLIw7BxA7aNaSvIFKW8foKDpd0yxzY1Ka0t3I9L8f6W36-Hh7gxE7lbp56oatoXiL1H88SWfUJzaB3jWf4mnQWKLZF6v-Jb8BeIv5NLnYkMcaCavpIQfgfyyoRdQrJK0kxs_gmGs5vuwjBuPmCmf5YI6RpRk9lknuXbBSVzdjITYLE__FInZu0evea_FxAggY1ADZGasiCjPhyJQPVdSiL2tI8Qtrb2FbXkkyD3PGJHs_wjwlEuV77IRCiSLBluaXzYTNBE1Tom27FKk6WT5NncOTw3_d2lAE9TqaspgS6TYQJ0T-PqZoNdpt7dWb6l6SfqFRfEJG1UUZ7zpfabQ6uH8vC2oPJTP59MWeXyqb4TZsAjI11VJ0r1G5LwM-7v8HgfqAtEr2xrWvyG1S_NhSnjAdJk&c=u1GhY6GVFx37bHAC3lLlXmrPiBWR1ljZubCPWFMFIND14ynxklrSTA==&ch=6Dqm_CGEku_lNVe_H5fGydJFF4L10NUsvK0CQJ9odei_vBnl8PPqYg==> from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to learn how you can improve your school breakfast program. HoCo Unsweetened Toolkit Looking for support in reducing the amount of sugary beverages consumed in your school community? This educational toolkit<http://www.betterchoicescoalition.org/toolkit/> provides a variety of educational resources schools can use to switch from Sugary Drinks to Better Beverages. New Guidelines for Smoothies in School Meals The New York State Department of Education has issued a memo describing how yogurt, fruits and vegetables in smoothies can be credited towards nutritional requirements in school meals. Please read this update<http://portal.nysed.gov/portal/page/pref/CNKC/NeedToKnow/2015%20Smoothies%20Memo.pdf> and share with the appropriate food service staff at your school. Free Online Trainings and Webinars on School Food Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering a series of free trainings and webinars<http://www.extension.org/pages/72718/free-online-courses-by-healthy-food-choices-in-schools-experts#.VRwFX_nF-Sq> on healthy eating. Topics include Healthy Food Choices in Schools and Creating Smarter Lunchrooms. You'll learn how to create a cafeteria environment that encourages students to make healthier choices. Thank you, the Bronx Health REACH staff (212) 633-0800 x 1232 www.bronxhealthreach.org<https://mail.institute2000.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=148681cb7f9247d89d24e08b62d8567f&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.bronxhealthreach.org%2f> Bronx Health REACH is an initiative of the Institute for Family Health. If you would like to be removed from this listserv, please reply to this email with the words "unsubscribe."