In This Issue

Sip Smart Pg. 2

The Challenge is On! Pg. 3

Fun in the Sun Pg. 4

Upcoming Community Events Pg. 5

Columbus City Schools

Spring 2015 Newsletter

Sip Smart: The Benefits of Water

Summer Day Refresher: Cucumber/Lemon/Mint/Ginger Water

Ingredients:

2 liters water (about 8 1/2 cups)

1 tsp freshly grated ginger

1 med cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

1 med lemon, thinly sliced

12 small spearmint leaves

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large

pitcher and let flavors blend overnight

in the fridge.

2. Strain the ingredients out of the water

the next morning and drink all 2 liters by

the end of the day

Water Infographic Source: https://www.watercoolersdirect.com/Content/Images/uploaded/wcd-blog/2012/07/benefits-of-drinking-water-infographic.jpg ;

Drink recipe: prevention.com

2014 – 2015 District-Wide Wellness Challenges

5-2-1-0 Challenge

October 1st– October 31st

390 CCS Employees Registered

This individual challenge was designed to help CCS

employees build healthy habits into their daily

lives. The healthy habits consisted of : increasing

fruit and/ or vegetable intake to five servings or

more a day, reducing screen time to two hours or less

daily, increasing physical activity to 30 minutes or

more a day, and eliminating sugary beverages.

Fitness Finale Challenge

February 16th- April 27th

441 CCS Employees Registered

This team-based challenge was designed to help

CCS employees increase the amount of physical

activity each day and build accountability within

their work building. The goal of the challenge was

for each individual to complete 10,000 steps a day.

5k training programs were also available in this

challenge.

Fitness Frenzy Testimonial Highlights

“The Columbus City Schools wellness initiative has impacted my life dramatically. I am very excited to say that the program

has helped me to be more active in my daily life and to make more healthy choices when I eat. ...I am so thankful that

Columbus City has made it easier to make healthy changes in our lives. I look forward to continued progress in the future!”

“...Fitness classes, the gym memberships, support programs and coaches, challenges, the demo classes increased

awareness...the combination of all these things have made a huge difference in my outlook on living and being healthy.

Without all these factors I would still be a smoking, junk food eating, non-exercising, stressed out wreck! “

“...I am thankful that Columbus City Schools has buildings that encourage wellness and a free membership to the gym is

also a blessing that is helping me continue my journey!”

…”As a 45 year old mother, being healthy has become a higher priority, for a few reasons. One is that I want to be around

as long as I can as I want to be here for my daughter. Another reason is that I want her to learn by example. When she sees

my being active and eating healthy, she too may realize the importance or value of living a healthy and active lifestyle and

finally, I owe it to her.”

Fun in the Sun

Pool Safety

Tips to stay safe

Avoid swallowing pool water or

even getting it in your mouth

Shower before swimming and

wash your hand after using the

toilet or changing diapers

Check children’s diapers often

and take children on bathroom

breaks

Kids can drown in seconds.

Keep a close watch on children

at all times.

Do not use air-filled swimming

aids (e.g. water wings) with

children in place of a life jacket

To avoid poolside injuries, do

not jump into shallow water or

run by pool area. Always walk.

- Pool User Information CDC, 2015

Warmer temperatures are great but it comes

with a price...bugs! Specifically mosquitoes

and ticks. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile

virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, eastern

equine encephalitis virus and even dengue.

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other

serious infections. To prevent these illnesses,

use an appropriate insect and tick repellent

and apply it properly. Prime mosquito-biting

hours are usually from dusk to dawn, but

ticks are out all the time.

Skin Protection The hours between 10

a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time (9 a.m.

to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazard-

ous for UV exposure. Use sunscreen with at

least SPF 15, cover up with clothing, wear a

brimmed hat, and wear sunglasses that block

UVA and UVB rays.

-www.cdc.gov

Mediterranean Couscous Yield: 4 servings (serving size about 1 cup)

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups reduced sodium vegetable

broth

• 3/4 cup whole wheat couscous

• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup chopped seeded peeled

cucumber

• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

• 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

“Exercising in

water offers many

physical and

mental health

benefits and is a

good choice for

people who want

to be more active.

When in the

water, remember

to protect yourself

and others from

illness and injury

by practicing

healthy and safe

swimming

behaviors.”

Directions:

Bring broth to a boil in a medium

saucepan; gradually stir in couscous.

Remove from heat; cover and let

stand 5 minutes.

Fluff with a fork. Combine couscous,

tomatoes, and remaining ingredients

in a large bowl.

Enjoy!

For more information on this recipe,

visit the CCS Wellness website:

http://www.ccsoh.us/Wellness.aspx

Upcoming Community Health & Wellness Events

Stay Well. Stay Fit. Stay Strong.

May 2nd

Capital City Half Marathon, Patron Quarter Marathon. Commit to Be Fit 5K

8:00 am Downtown Columbus

More info: capitalcityhalfmarathon.com

Short North Gallery Hop

4:00 pm– 10:00 pm Short North Columbus

More info: columbusarts.com/events/96743-gallery-hop-11

May 16th

Komen Columbus Race for the Cure

8:00 am Downtown Columbus

More info: komencolumbus.org

June 6th

Move More 5K & 1 mile Run/ Walk

7:30 am Columbus, Ohio

More info: mmore.org/MoveMMOREColumbus/2015.html