August Calendar

• 14th - Herb and Spices Using Thyme - Union Parish Library 11 am
• 19th - Herb and Spices Using Thyme - Union General Hospital 2 pm

September Calendar

• 10th - Ouachita Healthy Communities Coalition - Ouachita LSU AgCenter 1:30 pm
• 11th - Dining with Diabetes - West Carroll LSU AgCenter 10:30 am
• 14th - Harvest Under the Stars - Origin Bank Family Garden, Monroe 5:30 pm to 10 pm
• 21st - Super Saturday - Origin Bank Family Garden, Monroe from 10 am to Noon
• 25th - Dining with Diabetes - West Carroll LSU AgCenter 10:30 am
• 27th Nutrition and Community Health Learning Lab - Louise Williams Library, Monroe 5:30 pm

Kids' Corner

by Markaye Russell

Packing School Lunches

Figuring out what to feed kids can be challenging! We all want to feed our families well, but it can easily become a daily battle. Involving your kids in choosing at least some items for their lunch is a great way to encourage them to eat their healthy lunches. Here are few tips:

• Invest in good food containers for cold and hot lunches.
• Take leftovers.
• Make your own lunchable.
• Pack a variety that includes a protein, healthy fat, carbs, fruit and veggies.)

Boosting Back-to-School Success Through Physical Activity

by Jocinda Jackson-Jones

As the back-to-school season approaches, families have a unique opportunity to set a positive tone for the upcoming academic year by integrating regular physical activity into their routines. Research consistently shows that physical activity not only promotes overall health but also enhances cognitive function and academic performance in children. Engaging in activities like walking, biking, or organized sports helps improve concentration, memory, and classroom behavior, which are crucial for school success. Moreover, physical activity reduces stress and anxiety, helping students adapt more smoothly to the demands of a new school year. For families, this can mean scheduling time for collective physical activities, such as evening walks or weekend hikes, fostering stronger family bonds while establishing healthy habits. Schools and communities can further support this by offering extracurricular programs and creating safe spaces for active play. Encouraging children to participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day can significantly boost their energy levels and mood. Additionally, integrating physical activity into daily routines helps establish lifelong habits that contribute to long-term health and well-being. As families prepare for the school year, prioritizing physical activity can not only improve academic outcomes but also enhance overall quality of life, making the transition back to school a more positive and successful experience for everyone.

Recipe of the Month

by Cathy Agan

Autumn Apple Cranberry Crisp

• 7 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat medium shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place apples and cranberries in dish and gently toss together. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, oats, flour, nuts and butter. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture on top of fruit. Bake until fruit is bubbly and tender, about 50 minutes. Transfer dish to wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm.

Recipe from: American Institute for Cancer Research

Success Story

by Ana Gouge, LPC

My name is Ana Gouge, and I am the new Built Environment and Connectivity agent for the northern half of our state. I have worked with the LSU AgCenter for 3 years as a Nutrition and Community Health Agent in Concordia and Catahoula parishes. I have enjoyed assisting small, rural communities create safe spaces to play and exercise. In my new role, I hope to assist local agents to bring safe, accessible access point to their communities.

The built environment encompasses the physical surroundings created by human activity, including buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces. This environment plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of life for communities. Connectivity within the built environment refers to how well different areas and facilities are linked together, facilitating ease of movement and access.

Well-designed built environments promote physical health by encouraging active transportation (like walking or biking), providing access to recreational spaces, and ensuring clean air and water. For example, neighborhoods with safe sidewalks, parks, and bike lanes can reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases. Access to green spaces and aesthetically pleasing environments can reduce stress and improve mental health. The built environment can influence social interaction and community cohesion, which are important for mental well-being.

When we create Healthy Communities, we should ensure that it is equitable to all. Connectivity and accessibility in the built environment can address disparities by ensuring that all community members, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to essential services, public transportation, and recreational facilities.