Words on Wellness

Staying Active in Wintertime

     Winter months can be a challenge for daily physical activity because the need does not change in cold weather. Adults can ensure children (and they) are moving and developing their muscles by providing large muscle play opportunities.

     Action rhymes are a great way to get everyone moving. What are action rhymes? These are songs or poems set to motion that tell a story. Some classic action rhymes include: “Row Your Boat,” “Ring Around the Rosy,” and “Head and Shoulder, Knees, and Toes.”

     When winter weather will allow, walking in the snow is a workout in itself; make it more interesting by searching for animal tracks. Pretending to be those animals when there is snow on the ground is a fun new game. Old-time favorite activities like creating a snow angel, dancing the “Hokey Pokey,” or playing the game “Duck, Duck, Goose” are also a workout in the snow. Throwing snowballs at a target (a red circle in the snow made using food coloring) will satisfy the throwing urge and no one gets hurt. Following the leader or marching in a circle lifting those legs as high as they can go and swinging arms gets many muscles working.

What is “clean” labeling?

     You may have heard of the movement in the food industry to create a clean food label. There is no legal definition to “clean” labeling, which increases confusion among consumers. Follow these tips when thinking about clean labeling.

     Consider the source of the information. Be wary of advocacy groups using social media to push an agenda that may not be in the public’s best interest.

     Food manufacturers quickly respond to changes in consumer preference. Before buying into the latest fad, think about whether it is market-driven or science-based.

     Do not assume food label buzzwords such as “clean” or “all natural” are synonymous with nutritious or healthful.

     For more information, visit www.news.iastate.edu/news/2017/10/31/cleanfood.