From the Nurse’s office – National Walk to School Month

Did your child walk or roll to school this month? Or take the bus to help reduce the car congestion around our school? If so, thank you for supporting National Walk to School Day this month. If not, there’s still time to make a healthy change this month or next in how your child gets to and from school.

Walking or rolling (biking, scootering, etc.) to school increases your child’s opportunity for physical activity. At least 60 minutes of physical activity per day is recommended for children. Incorporating physical activity into your usual school routine is a great way to become more active. People who are physically active live longer and have a lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers.

If you do drive, consider parking a bit away from the school and walking the rest of the way. Students who walk and bike to school arrive awake and alert, with better focus and concentration, which can improve academic performance.

And a heads up for drivers who do queue at school: new “No Idling” signs are making their way to schools throughout Newton. These are a great reminder to turn off your car while waiting to drop off or pick up your student. Turning off your car improves air quality for everyone around you and reduces pollutants that can be particularly harmful for our students with asthma.

Even seemingly small changes like walking a few extra times per month or turning off a vehicle for a few minutes can make a big difference over time.

For more walk to school ideas, visit https://www.cdc.gov/policy/hst/hi5/saferoutes/index.html

From Newton Safe Routes to School  (Facebook page)