Wellness Night Brings Families Together at West Patent

Wellness is a topic for families. It is about information and the ability to make conscious choices to develop life skills that support learning and overall health. West Patent Elementary School (WPES) brought together over 70 parents and children on February 5 for an evening of Family Wellness in effort to enhance children’s health, well-being and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity.  

A common theme of the evening was the importance of parents as roll-models and continuity at home. There is evidence that kids who eat together with their families consume more fruits and vegetables and fewer junk foods.  Studies also indicate that family dining also makes kids more likely to do well in school.  We all want THE BEST for our children!  To help them fulfill their potential they need to be healthy; physical activity, sleep and well balanced eating can help!

The evening’s affairs included a social dinner and mingling speakers and athletic coordinators. Children enjoyed their own special programs in the gymnasium under the professional instruction of THE KOMBINE SPORTS PERFORMANCE & FITNESS CENTER from Mt. Kisco and Sensei Master D from DEVITO’S TAE KWON DO ACADEMY in Bedford Hills. WPES Coaches T and Hall also guided activities and engage the children.  The kids were led through stretching and exercise routines. They learned that an intricate part of Good Character is caring for one’s body. The fitness trainers reminded the children that they need daily exercise. They don’t need special equipment or a class; they can develop their own home routines. To prepare for the day, they should stretch, eat breakfast and get their heart pumping before school to rev up their bodies and mind. After-school vigorous activity reduces stress, increases learning and strengthens muscles. Not to mention is just plain fun!  End the day with some stretching and relaxing breathing to facilitate a restful, rejuvenating night’s sleep.

While the children were ‘working-out,’ parents were benefiting from four local wellness experts sharing their Top Wellness Tips for Children and Families.  Presenters included: DR. TRACI TOLL-GRIFFIN a pediatrician with MKMG & WPES parent; DR. ROBERT FRANKEL a pediatric dentist based in Mt. Kisco; GAYLE REICHLER MAZLISH RD a professional chef , nutritionist and PRES mom; plus FL alumni and life and sports performance coach, HEIDI MICHAELS. 

Speakers stressed the importance of controlling the things we can such as: being good roll-models for our children with our nutrition, physical activity and safety decisions. Creating best practices at home for example: limiting screen time, texting etc.. being present when together and not distracted by electronics and daily pressures. Encouraging talking. Wearing seatbelts and keeping kids in age appropriate car restraints. Serving a variety of foods. Establishing brushing/oral health routines. One of the important take-a ways was striving for balance in our children’s and own lives; physically, nutritionally, emotionally, socially and psychologically.