Wondering what to do today to get the kids active and away from screen time? Print our summer family fitness calendar to get ideas about how to be physically active as a family this summer! Post it on the refrigerator or bulletin board for a new idea each day. Many of these ideas are classic games you played as a kid. Teach them to your children so they can play them too!
Have the kids host a hula hooping competition among your family members or in the neighborhood!
Kids' choice days are designed for the kids to use their creativity to come up with some ideas or play a favorite game they have already learned!
Remember to pay extra attention to staying hydrated when exercising outdoors through the rest of the summer.
If you have other ideas, please let us know and we'll share them!
Worksite Wellness: 6 Lessons from an Agency Getting It Done
This popular line-dancing class is just one of many opportunities for wellness through Downtown DCR's Worksite Wellness Commiteee.
I asked about the ribbons and learned that they were wearing them to raise awareness for Men's Health Month as part of their Worksite Wellness Committee activities. Their visit to the market was also part of the committee's 2011 Wellness Kickoff, where employees were invited to renew their new year's resolutions and join in the walk to shop the market.
I have since learned that Downtown DCR has an incredibly active Worksite Wellness Committee comprised of 14 members who volunteer their time on behalf of wellness for their fellow agency employees. What began in 2006 per a mandate from the Office of State Personnel is today a vibrant committee dedicated to helping co-workers reduce stress, be active, be connected, and further enjoy their time at work together.
Read the full story on AHA's web site and learn 6 key lessons about creating worksite wellness programs.
In the Kitchen with a Box Full of Produce
Twelve-year old Raissa Fitzpatrick and her mother Ivory have loaded up on tasty, local fruits and veggies this summer, thanks to Farm It Forward. Along with four other families, they have gathered together on Tuesday evenings to receive their free Farm It Forward CSA (community supported agriculture) shares from Ben's Produce and New Grass Gardensand to participate in a free Cooking Matters class from the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle.
Farm It Forward families and volunteers at the final Cooking Matters class. Next week families pick up their final shares of local, healthy produce.
"We have absolutely loved it. Now we are cooking with more fresh vegetables. It isn't time-consuming like I thought it would be," Ivory said. "You get it stuck in your mind that it's going to take too long, but really it's the same amount of time. And it tastes so much better!"
AHA thanks all its partners who have made this pilot project a success!
Visit AHA Today at the Raleigh Downtown Farmers' Market!
AHA returns to the Raleigh Downtown Farmers' Market today from 10 am-2 pm! Bring the kids for a market scavenger hunt and a hula hooping contest at 11:30 and again at 12:30 pm! (We'll have prizes, of course)
Everyone is invited for free samples of delicious market foods and seasonal, healthy recipe handouts.
Plus we'll have free market bags for the first 50 people who visit us and sign up for our newsletter. See you at the market!
AHA fosters and supports community efforts to make healthy eating and physical activity the way of life in Wake County.
Simply put, we are working to make the healthy choice the easy choice!
Please share your ideas on newsletter articles with us; we welcome your feedback!
Pink Diamond Classic Charity Softball Game July 31
Head out to NC State on July 31 at 3 pm for the Pink Diamond Classic as Raleigh's police officers and firemen team up against the legendary King & His Court team in their softball game in the area!
The game is free but donations will be taken at the gate to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund to knock cancer out of the park!
Reminder: Raleigh Parks and Rec has invited AHA partners to participate in its October 8 Kidsfest this year. They are putting a new healthy twist on this fun-filled event with AHA's help.
Partners are invited to participate by sharing information about your programs and services and hosting some type of fun activity at their booth. To participate, please fill out this form. (Deadline: Aug. 31)
Everyone is invited for free samples of delicious market foods and seasonal, healthy recipe handouts. 
