From Kohl's Healthy at Home and Alliance for a Healthier Generation webpage linked here.

Kohl’s and Healthier Generation are helping families prioritize healthy living and create home environments where everyone can thrive. Kohl's Healthy at Home is a hub of proven tips, activities, and resources designed for parents and caregivers – so the healthy choice is the easiest choice for families. 

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Link to Healthy Day Toolkit

 

 

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Eating Healthy

Bite-size changes can have a big impact on helping families make mealtimes more enjoyable and nutritious.

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Moving More

Daily physical activity supports curiosity, learning, and social-emotional health.

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Feel calm, confident, and connected by building social-emotional skills together.

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Herramientas gratuitas, recursos, recetas y más para tener un impacto positivo en la salud y el bienestar de su familia.

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Explore curated resources honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Black History Month, and more.

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From Adolescent and School Health webpage linked here.

There are actions you can take to encourage open communication. This means that your child or teen feels free to express their feelings and ideas to you. Open communication can help strengthen your relationship with your child or teen.

Conversation Starters

Here are some ways you can start conversations with your child or keep conversations going with them.

Resources

If you have concerns about your child’s emotional well-being, behavioral adjustment, or overall mental health, reach out to a qualified professional like your primary care provider or your child’s pediatrician. Continue to have open and honest discussions with your child, offering encouragement and support.

Need Support Now? If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

If you, or someone you know, needs help with a mental or substance-use disorder, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889, or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U), or use SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to get help.

Learn more about:

• Adolescent Mental Health
• Children’s Mental Health
• Mental Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol, or a mix of small particles in the air. This aerosol is breathed into the lungs of the person using the device. E-cigarette aerosol can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances. While use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for everyone, this is especially true for kids, teens, and young adults.

E-cigarettes, or vapes, are known by many different names. They are also called “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “tank systems,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).” E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes. Some are made to be recharged, some to be refilled, and some to be thrown away (disposable).

E-cigarette Use Among Youth

E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. middle and high school students.

• In 2022, about 1 in 10 or 2.55 million U.S. middle and high school students used e-cigarettes at least once in the past 30 days, including 3.3% of middle school students and 14.1% of high school students.

Disposable e-cigarettes are the most commonly used device type among U.S. middle and high school students who vape. In addition, nearly 85% of middle and high school students who used e-cigarettes reported using flavored e-cigarettes. Many e-cigarettes come in kid-friendly flavors—like candy, desserts, other sweets, mint, and menthol. This makes them more appealing to youth.

• Among middle and high school students who currently used any type of flavored e-cigarette in 2022, the most commonly used flavors were fruit (69.1%), candy, desserts, or other sweets (38.3%), mint (29.4%), and menthol (26.6%).

Health Risks of Vaping for Youth

Vaping can have health risks for youth. Most vapes have nicotine in them, which is highly addictive. Nicotine use in adolescence:

• Can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25.
• Can impact attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
• May increase risk for future addiction to other drugs.

Not only can nicotine in e-cigarettes pose health risks for youth, but youth who vape may also be more likely to go on to use regular cigarettes.

In addition to nicotine, e-cigarette aerosol can contain other harmful and potentially harmful substances. These substances include:

• Cancer-causing chemicals
• Volatile organic compounds
• Ultrafine particles
• Flavorings that have been linked to lung disease
• Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead

Nicotine Addiction Can Be a Source of Stress

When a person is dependent on (or is addicted to) nicotine and stops using it, their body and brain must get used to not having nicotine. This can result in temporary symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. People might keep using tobacco products, like vapes, to try to make these symptoms feel better. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Trouble sleeping
• Problems concentrating
• Craving nicotine

Youth might turn to vaping to try to deal with stress or anxiety. This can create a cycle of nicotine addiction, which can also be a source of stress.

Youth vaping and cigarette use have also been linked to mental health symptoms, such as depression.

Helping Youth Quit Vaping

Most students who use tobacco products want to quit and have attempted to do so. This includes e-cigarettes. In 2020, nearly 2 in 3 middle and high school students who used e-cigarettes reported wanting to quit. Similarly, about 2 in 3 reported trying to quit in the last year.

Youth who vape need support and help when trying to quit. Talking to youth and connecting them with quitting resources is a great way to help.

What Parents Can Do to Reduce Vaping Among Youth

Parents can play an important role in protecting youth from the risks of vaping. Sometimes, it’s hard to know what to do to help youth avoid or quit vaping. Engaging youth and starting a discussion can help. Here are some suggestions.

Parents can:

• Set a good example by being tobacco-free.
• Try to ensure your child is not exposed to the secondhand smoke or aerosol from any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
• Talk to your child about why vaping is harmful for them. It’s never too late to have that talk.
• Let your child know you want them to stay away from all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, because they are not safe for them.
• Reach out to your child’s health care provider for quitting resources.

Vaping Prevention and Education Resource Center

The Vaping Prevention and Education Resource Center provides free science-based materials to help students understand the dangers associated with vaping and nicotine addiction. It includes free materials for parents and teens.

• Parents will find fact sheets, videos, and resources to help them understand and recognize vapes, talk with their children, and keep the conversation going over time.
• Students will find real-life stories and relatable content to help them understand vaping, nicotine addiction, common myths about vapes, and how to say no to vaping.

During National Diabetes Month in November, we encourage all people to learn about diabetes, find resources, and bring attention to the impact of diabetes in communities across the nation.

From the Texas Department of State Health Services website...

Over time, having high blood sugar can cause serious health problems. You can prevent or delay these problems by eating healthy meals, being physically active, monitoring your blood sugar, and taking the medicine your doctor prescribes. Although there is no cure, millions of people with diabetes enjoy long, full lives, and you can, too. 

From the The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases  website....

November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes health problems.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 37 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer.

But there’s also good news: Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems.

Tips to get started

Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Research shows that managing your diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent diabetes health problems. You can start by managing your diabetes ABCs.

• A is for the A1C test that health care professionals use to measure your average blood glucose levels. Some people with diabetes also use devices to track their blood glucose throughout the day and night.
• B is for blood pressure.
• C is for cholesterol.

Ask your health care team what your ABCs goals should be.

Take small steps toward healthy habits.

Lifestyle habits such as planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and not smoking may help you manage your diabetes ABCs. You don’t have to do it all at once. Start slow and build healthier habits from there.

Take your medicines on time.

Remember to take your medicines even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medicines on time or at the correct dose.

Reach or maintain a healthy weight.

If you have overweight or obesity, ask your primary care provider if healthy eating, physical activity, or other weight-loss treatments may help you manage your weight.

Take care of your mental health.

Managing diabetes can be hard. If you feel down, sad, or overwhelmed, learn about healthy ways to cope with stress. Consider talking to a mental health counselor or joining a support group.

Work with your health care team.

Managing diabetes takes a team. Your health care team may include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator. Ask your primary care provider if you should talk with other health care professionals about your diabetes.

Diabetes medicines, devices, and office visits can be expensive. A social worker or a member of your health care team may be able to help you find community resources or financial help for diabetes care.

Let's come together in October to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and stop accidental fentanyl poisoning that has led to countless tragedies.  

Download Fentanyl Fact Sheet (PDF)

Fentanyl is safe when taken as prescribed by a doctor to treat severe pain. However, illegally manufactured fentanyl is often added to counterfeit (fake) pills and other substances with or without a person's knowledge, including:

The overdose crisis is harming Texas youth at an especially alarming rate. Teenagers and young adults can buy illegal substances and counterfeit pills through social media—and many may be mixed with potentially fatal doses of fentanyl.

Even small amounts of fentanyl, equivalent to a few grains of sand, can be deadly. That means that any pill could be the one that causes an overdose. Remember, one pill kills.

Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Fellow Texans from the Dangers of Fentanyl

Accidental fentanyl overdoses are life threatening, but preventable. Here are some ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from a fentanyl overdose.

Talk about fentanyl

Make sure your child understands the risks of fentanyl and how even one pill can result in accidental overdose. If you're concerned about a loved one who uses substances, have a calm, direct conversation and listen without judgment. Work together to make a plan to stay safe.

Only take pills prescribed to you

If it didn't come from your doctor or pharmacist, you can't be sure that it's safe.

Get the facts: txopioidresponse.org/fentanyl

Together, we can save lives.

Additional Resources

• The United States Drug Enforcement Agency has a dedicated parent/guardian page with multiple resources available. 
• The National Institute of Drug Abuse has created a resource of conversation starters about substance use and how to talk with teens about substance use. 
• The Texas Health and Human Services Department Texas Targeted Opioid Response website has information about how to seek help for yourself or someone else.

Every year in September, suicide prevention advocates around the United States host events and provide training to raise awareness about suicide. In 1975, the American Association of Suicidology sponsored the first National Suicide Prevention Week.

The goals are to educate and inform the public about suicide prevention, the warning signs, and to decrease stigma, thereby encouraging help-seeking. On September 10, 2003, the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization worked together to dedicate one day each year to share the message that suicides are preventable and provide messages of hope and help. The goal was to direct people who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide to care. World Suicide Prevention Day is now observed in over 60 countries. National Suicide Prevention Week is observed the week corresponding with World Suicide Prevention Day.

In 2008, September was first observed as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  This September, get involved in an event in your community to raise awareness about suicide and promote help-seeking. Take advantage of opportunities to learn more about how you and others can support suicide prevention efforts.

The Tiny Evie Rocks Story Providing Hope to Those Impacted by Suicide

Tiny Evie Rocks is a non-profit organization located in Tyler, dedicated to empowering community members to come together, spread kindness, enjoy exceptional music, access local resources, and gain life-saving knowledge. Tiny Evie Rocks was born out of the experience of Michael and Jessica Domingos after the loss of their daughter to suicide.

Tiny Evie Rocks started out as a campaign to paint kindness and mental health awareness rocks for others to find in their daughter’s honor and has since grown exponentially. This is their story:

“Four years ago, our lives were forever changed by an unimaginable tragedy. Our dear daughter, Evie, who was only 12 years old, lost her battle with the hidden struggles of emotional turmoil and took her own life. The pain we felt seemed unbearable, but from that darkness, Tiny Evie Rocks was born.  

In the midst of our grief, we made a powerful choice to transform our heartbreak into something meaningful. We wanted to take action to prevent others from the same pain that shattered our world. And so, Tiny Evie Rocks was created, driven by a mission to bring light, hope, and understanding to the community.  

Over the last three years, our organization has grown and expanded its efforts in equipping individuals with life-saving intervention skills through programs such as Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and AS+K About Suicide To Save A Life Gatekeeper Training. These workshops empower individuals to recognize warning signs, engage in compassionate conversations, and connect those in need to life-saving support.

We didn't stop there. We knew that music has the power to heal, inspire, and unite, and could be used to connect with our community on a deeper level and foster a sense of belonging. We began organizing music-centric events where people could come together, celebrate life, share stories, engage in education, and raise awareness about the strength within. As we continue this transformative journey, we hold Evie's memory close to our hearts, treasuring the joy she brought into our lives. Tiny Evie Rocks has become our way of honoring her, a beacon of light that emerged from the shadows.

Through our programs, events, and unwavering dedication, we strive to honor Evie's spirit by spreading awareness, fostering understanding, and bringing hope to all those who need it.  Though the pain of losing Evie will always remain, we have transformed it into a force for good. Every life saved, every heart healed, and every flicker of hope kindled in the shadows reminds us of our purpose. Together, we can build a world where inner strength matters, where nobody suffers alone, and where every young person finds the support they need to overcome their darkest moments.

Evie's legacy lives on through Tiny Evie Rocks, showing us the power of love, resilience, and the unshakable belief that even in the face of tragedy, hope will always find a way.“

Jessica Domingos, Executive Director and Co-Founder

From:  

From EatRight.org, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

The key to an active family is finding fun things to do in every season. Aim for a goal of 30 minutes for adults and 60 minutes for kids of moderate activity daily — no matter the weather!

Winter Workouts

Once the weather turns cold, snow and ice can make jogging and cycling difficult — and even unsafe! Don't let the cold months of winter be an excuse to cut back on your exercise routine. Consider these indoor activities:

• Walk inside your local mall.
• Take the stairs whenever possible instead of an elevator or escalator.
• Walk around your building's hallways during your lunch or coffee break.
• Don't wait for spring for a thorough house cleaning. Wash the inside of your windows, vacuum or shampoo the carpet or clean out your closets.
• Watch and follow an exercise video.
• Exercise indoors at a nearby gym.

Cold weather doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to all outdoor activity. There are many ways to enjoy the weather by taking your physical activity outdoors. Why should kids have all the fun in the winter?

• Have a snowball fight.
• Go ice skating.
• Go sledding.
• Make snow angels.

Spring Into Action

Adding physical activity to your day may feel easier in spring and summer. Spring weather makes it easy to get outdoors and get your recommended amount of daily physical activity. These activities can count toward your daily total exercise:

• Go for a brisk walk during your lunch hour or after dinner.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator whenever possible.
• Skip the drive-thru car wash and wash the car yourself.
• Stretch your green thumb by doing some gardening. Consider growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs.
• Walk in place while watching TV.
• When possible, ride your bike to school or work — or use it to run errands.
• Plan an active family vacation or a weekend outing.

Like good eating habits, regular physical activity needs to be part of everyone's healthful lifestyle. Remember, your goal is to make changes gradually so you can stick with them and won't have to repeat this process next year.

Summer Activity is Crucial for Children

Don't let your child spend their summer sitting on the couch. Teach them to enjoy the benefits of being physically active. Help your child stay moving in summer with these ideas:

• Sign your child up for local sports camp or swimming lessons.
• Make going for a walk, run or bike ride together a scheduled event.
• Go hiking and have the kids tell you 10 points of natural interest to enjoy.
• Take up a new hobby together, such as inline skating, tennis or hiking.
• Run through the sprinkler when it's hot outside.
• When it's raining, stay inside, turn on some music and have a dance party.
• Set up neighborhood contests including jump rope, hula hoop or hopscotch.
• Organize community kickball, soccer or softball games or relay races.
• Host a bicycle wash on your street.

Being active also helps reduce the risk of chronic health problems later in life. Encourage your kids to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Teaching the importance of physical activity while your kids are young will help them maintain the habit when they're older. Remember to lead by example by also engaging in regular physical activity.

Enjoy Autumn Activities

Get outside and enjoy the fall colors during autumn with these activities:

• Take a brisk run.
• Go for a nature hike.
• Gather the family and go apple-picking.
• Play a game of football.

Weekend athletes may not have the same nutritional demands of full-time athletes, but you still need to fuel your body for outdoor activities. If you're planning some physical fun during fall weekends, power up beforehand. Eat a meal three to four hours before a workout and a small snack about an hour prior. This helps ensure the energy is in your muscles when you need it.

Don't Let Exercise Take a Holiday

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season may make it hard to stick to your workout routine, but always make exercise a priority. Good options include walking, biking, running, ice skating or stair climbing. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. If you don't currently have a workout routine, there is no time like the present to get started.

Individuals with chronic conditions should talk with their health care provider to determine whether their conditions limit, in any way, their ability to do physical activity before starting a new routine.

Children’s Health published tips on fun ways to keep kids moving in the winter months. With a little planning and creativity, families can stay physically active all year long – no matter what the weather is outside. Information includes ideas for indoor activities, outdoor activities, and safety tips.

From Children's Health, "How to keep kids active in winter" 

Why is it important for kids to stay active in winter?

The Get Up & Go by Children's Health℠ encourages families to get at least one hour of physical activity each day.

Exercise is essential, no matter the season. It helps kids maintain strong muscles and bones, builds cardiovascular strength, reduces the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes and improves mental health. It's important to keep a positive mindset about staying active, especially during the gray, colder days of winter.

How can families stay motivated to exercise during winter?

Don't feel pressured to block off a full hour for exercise, which can be difficult given families' busy schedules. Instead, aim for several 15-20 minute bursts of movement throughout the day – and keep it fun. Remember that most kids enjoy exercise more when it is part of a game.

Keeping kids active doesn't mean they need to do sets of push-ups or crunches. Instead, incorporate movement into games like hide-and-seek or indoor tag and relay races to get them squatting, jumping and moving around things, so they're getting bodyweight exercise through play.

What are some fun winter activities to get kids moving?

To help your kids avoid excessive, couch-bound screen time this winter, look for fun, simple ways to make movement a part of their everyday routines. Opt for creative games or activities inside or grab your winter coat for some fun outside time. In winter, kids can do most any activity they can in the summer, as long as they bundle up.

Indoor winter activities for kids

• Make commercial time, exercise time. Have kids get up and do jumping jacks or duck walks around the living room during commercial breaks of their favorite shows. No commercials? Just set a timer for a break in the middle of the episode.
• Play video games that incorporate movement. Host a family game night of Just Dance or Wii bowling – or similar games that get participants up and moving.
• Incorporate small dance parties throughout the day. Put on a favorite song and have kids dance around the room. Or have them dance along to a video on sites like Go Noodle.
• Do a clean-up sprint. Encourage kids to dust, vacuum or declutter as many rooms as they can in five or 10 minutes.
• Build an indoor obstacle course. Use household or garage items to encourage kids to crawl, jump and wiggle their way to fun.
• Hold a scavenger hunt. Get kids moving throughout the house on a race to find items on individualized search lists.

Outdoor winter activities for kids

• Take family bike rides or walks. As long as you dress for the weather, there's no reason your family can't enjoy the outdoors all year long. Plan ahead and enjoy outdoor activity when the sun is out.
• Make a nature collage. Have kids collect rocks, leaves and twigs in your yard or at a nearby park, then assemble them into a collage as a family.
• Shoot baskets, throw a baseball, jump rope or scooter ride. Make a list of your child's favorite outdoor activities and allow them to choose which they'll enjoy during a set time.
• Have backyard relay races. Time your family doing relays across the yard while dribbling a soccer ball, skipping or hopping.
• Enjoy the snow. If you're lucky enough to have some snowy days, make the most of them. Build a snowman. Have a snowball throwing contest. Go for sled rides. Use spray bottles to "paint" the snow with food coloring and water. No snow in sight? Make a "snowman" out of household objects or use balls for a throwing contest.

How can kids stay safe while playing outdoors this winter?

Kids should wear sunscreen and stay hydrated when playing outdoors, even in winter.

When playing outside in cooler temperatures, kids should dress in layers to stay warm. Encourage kids to wear hats and gloves, especially when the temperature falls below 40 degrees. When children are playing in wet, icy or snowy conditions, make sure they come in frequently to trade out wet clothes (especially socks!) and warm up.

While in the summer, it's best to avoid the outdoors during peak sun hours, consider doing the opposite during the winter months. The sun can help keep you warm even on chilly days and also help with visibility. If your children are outside as it gets dark, make sure they wear bright or reflective clothing.

See more tips to stay safe while having an active winter.

Learn more

Looking for more ideas to get kids moving? The Get Up & Go team created easy-to-use exercise cards to help children and parents stay active together. Download the exercise cards for inspiration. Check out even more ideas for staying active indoors and at home.

The evidence is clear—physical activity can make you feel better, function better, and sleep better. Even one session of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reduces anxiety, and even short bouts of physical activity are beneficial. Being physically active also fosters normal growth and development, improves overall health, can reduce the risk of various chronic diseases (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.

Adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits. Only a few lifestyle choices have as large an impact on your health as physical activity.

Everyone can experience the health benefits of physical activity – age, abilities, ethnicity, shape, or size do not matter.

Click on the image below to read the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (2nd edition)

Want to learn more? The CDC's Physical Activity Basics website includes additional information regarding the benefits of activity, how to measure your progress, ideas for including activity in your life, and much more!

Click HERE to explore the CDC webpage on physical activity basics

The Texas Department of State Health Services' Obesity Prevention Program works to make healthy choices easier for all Texans wherever they live, work, and play.

Being overweight and obese increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and other serious medical conditions. 

The Obesity Prevention Program website includes information on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Healthy Food Environments. It includes the Growing Community video series tool to help educate and inspire communities into action to address obesity in Texas.

Click  HERE to explore the Obesity Prevention Program website

Click on the image below to view the Texas Department of State Health Services Obesity Prevention Priority (OPP) Strategies document.  

ABOUT SA PARKS & REC

The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department operates the City's recreational and cultural programs and maintains more than 250 City-owned parks, including swimming pools, gymnasiums, historic cemeteries, sports facilities and recreation centers. The department is responsible for the maintenance of 16,000 acres of green space, including more than 140 miles of trails in city parks and over 80 miles of hike and bike trails that comprise the Howard W. Peak Trail System. 

To be redirected to and explore the San Antonio Parks and Rec website, please select this link.

The website includes information regarding special events, facilities, and more.

Mission & Philosophy of Texas Parks and Wildlife