October Calendar

3rd - Community Connections Resource Fair at ULM Hanger 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

9th - TeenChef Workshop - Winnsboro 11 am - 1 pm

11th - Seeds to Success Summit - Baton Rouge

25th - East Carroll Parish Walk-A-Mile Day

31st - Halloween

National Childhood Obesity Month

Feature Article by Brittney Newsome

This month is contributed to educating children and their families on how to prevent childhood obesity in many ways, whether it be in the home, school, or in the community in which they live. As rates of the obesity epidemic continuously increase throughout the nation, it is vital that we educate our youth and provide resources on how to deal with this chronic issue of today.

According to the Surgeon General's office here in the United States, childhood obesity has been labeled as “one of the most serious public health challenges in the twenty-first century.” Obesity puts a child at risk for a variety of medical issues or chronic diseases later in life, including diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, and joint problems.

You may be asking the question, what are the main causes seen as a direct link to childhood obesity?

• Sedentary lifestyle is defined as little to no physical activity. Children and adolescents ages 6-17 should be active at least 60 minutes every day.

• Unhealthy eating habits: consistent consumption of empty calories, food and drink with no nutritive value which are usually high in fat, sugar, and/or sodium.

Now that you know the main causes, take this month to explore creative ways to become more physically active and be sure to plan well-balanced meals together as a family.

Kids' Corner

by Jocinda Jackson-Jones

Fun Physical Activities for Children:

• Outdoor Games: Outdoor games provide physical exercise while allowing kids to enjoy fresh air and explore their surroundings.

• Sports: Encourage children to try various sports such as soccer, basketball, swimming, or tennis. These activities promote teamwork, skill development, and healthy competition.

• Cycling or Rollerblading: Riding a bicycle or rollerblading not only promotes physical fitness but also provides children with a sense of freedom and independence.

Children are more likely to engage in physical activities that they find enjoyable. Encouraging them to participate in these fun activities will not only combat obesity but also lay the foundation for an active and healthy lifestyle as they grow.

Recipe of the Month: Kid-friendly English Muffin Pizza

• Whole Wheat English Muffins (split)
• Pizza Sauce
• Low-Moisture, Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese
• Veggies for toppings

Brush English muffin halves with pizza sauce, top with ¼ cup mozzarella and desired veggies. Place in pre-heated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Encourage your child to top the pizza with something they’ve never tried before – bell pepper, black olives, mushrooms, YUM!

A Facelift for Facen Park

by Cathy Agan

A.G. Facen Memorial Park is a pocket park located in West Monroe. This small park was regularly utilized by neighborhood residents but needed improvements due to the age of the existing equipment. The City of West Monroe worked with the Ouachita LSU AgCenter office and the Ouachita Healthy Communities Coalition to submit a grant proposal to help revitalize the park. The goal was to provide an appealing and safe place for physical activity. Broken and aged swings were replaced with colorful new swings for both toddlers and older children. A vibrant painted play space was added to an existing concrete slab. Picnic tables got a new coat of paint. A bike rack and funnel ball game were added along with signage demonstrating simple park bench exercises. The makeover inspired neighborhood residents to hold a community block party at the park!