Get Moving for your Brain

We all know we need to move our bodies to be fit and in shape, but did you know that physical activity also contributes to brain development, emotional state, learning and focus, which can increase school performance? 
Our bodies are designed to move and be active.  According to Ben Medder, Movement Coach, in the U.S. physical activity has dropped by 32% in less than two decades.  When we are stagnant, all of the complex biological processes that are carried out by our body become stagnant too. 
Go run on the beach, play soccer with your kids, or have a water fight outside to increase family bonding while being physically active.  Your body, and your kids, will thank you for it.  Oh, and have FUN while doing it!  Those feel good hormones are pretty important too ;-)

Exercise and School Performance: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201410/8-ways-exercise-can-help-your-child-do-better-in-school

All About Movement: https://www.benmedder.com/movement

Study on Exercise Improving Attention in Individuals with ADHD: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6333702/

The “Green Body & Home” blog posts are brought to you by the PTA. They provide general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

"Brain character large set" by Oksana Grivina is licensed under CC BY 4.0

PTA's Green Body & Home Initiative Kicks Off This Month

Starting this month, the PTA will implement a Green Body & Home initiative to complement the Green Campus that our kiddos are so lucky to enjoy. We will be posting weekly in the Volt, which may be in the form of recipes, links, and quizzes (among other things).  At times we will implement Green Body & Home initiatives on campus as well.
Our goal is to give parents more tools to help them foster the growth and development of the most amazing humans they can!  
Here's a link to start off the year with a healthy treat

20 recipes for healthy homemade snack balls you can modify for any allergies/sensitivities.

These are a great way to sneak in lots of nutrition while keeping your kids taste buds happy!

The “Green Body & Home” blog posts are brought to you by the PTA. They provide general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

Photo by Jony Ariadi on Unsplash

Flu Vaccines Administered at VIMSIA

The Department of Health Immunization Division in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Montessori and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) led a community-wide flu vaccination clinic at VIMSIA.

With the assistance of Shane Degannes, school nurse at VIMSIA, the Department of Health (DOH) was able to set up shop at VIMISA’s car deck and successfully administer flu vaccinations to over twenty-two men, women and children. Degannes explained how this idea was sparked one afternoon by staff member Ms. Diana Woods.

Ms. Woods, a Casa teacher for over 20 years, was casually conversing with parent and DOH Medical Director Dr. Tai Camille Hunte-Ceasar. Ms. Woods expressed her desire to get the flu vaccine and the difficulties scheduling an appointment with work and everyday life commitments. When Dr. Hunte-Ceasar heard Ms. Woods' story she immediately reached out to the Department of Health’s Immunization Division and sparked a community outreach initiative.

On behalf of all the VIMSIA parents, staff and community members we would like to thank the Department of Health Immunization Division, Mr. Shane Degannes, Dr. Hunte-Ceasar and Ms. Woods for reminding us how important and essential it is to prioritize our health and well-being.