Site Shout-Out: "Mission Nutrition"

As mentioned in my first post, I am currently putting a health and wellness program together for a group of grade 7 and 8 students. In searching for resources, I stumbled across this nifty website: "Mission Nutrition". Unlike many other health companies, websites, or brands that have sponsors, this site (affiliated with Kellogg Canada Inc), does not try to slip in any sort of advertising in their information, suggestions, tips, or resources.

This site is FILLED with ways to incorporate healthy living ideals into the classroom - that's right, as lesson plans! The "Educators" section allows you to select the grade level for appropriate curriculum content, while also providing ways to make the home environment more health conscious in the "Families" portion of the site. The "Lead By Example" area is useful for parents and teachers alike - and really, it is not only our students who could use a little boost in this department! Finally, the "Resources" section is full of other sites, etc, directing you on where to go to find more information. This site is the total package! LOVE IT!

The Education Connection

Now that the intro is out of the way, it's time to delve into the topic at hand: just how does all of this play into education? To start, I'll recall my experience again. Aside from the obvious connection regarding lack of attendance because of the physical reactions to anxiety and depression, when I did attend, I was exhausted, distracted, emotional, distant, and generally uncomfortable. So even when I was there, physically there, I wasn't really there mentally. Meaning not learning. I quickly fell behind, which added to my anxiety and depression, which sped up the spiralling relationship. It is only now, at the age of 25 that I genuinely feel like I have a handle on my own health, regardless of what is thrown at me! This was definitely a process of trial and error though, and it definitely has not always been pretty. But once I learned the tools that allow me to hop back on that metaphorical wagon, and the results become clearer and clearer, my confidence in myself and in my body have increased greatly. These tools, tips, and strategies were sought out by me. No one handed them to me. Because of this, it has been a struggle. And now that I am completing teachers college, I am realizing the importance of everyone having this knowledge, and making these connections. A healthy student is an active, attentive, and achieving student; Someone we all want filling up the seats of our classroom. Again, this is just the tip of the iceberg, but I hope you can all see where my passion is coming from and why this topic is of such great importance and relevance. Kristine

Starting from the beginning...

While following several friends' blogs over the past year, I have come to learn just how powerful this electronic-public-journal can be. As such, as I embark on what could be a great adventure, I thought it best to chronicle the process. But first - a bit of back story...

I am someone who has had a plethora of health issues for as long as I can remember. Never anything too bad (thankfully), but a lot of minor things adds up, and wears on you. For several years now I have been a huge believer in the mind-body connection, meaning that whatever mental state you are in, be it happy, sad, mad, stressed, etc, you have physical reactions. By reactions, I am referring to experiences greater than a smile, a tear, a red face, a headache...Emotions can have lasting effects on our physical selves, and vice versa.

In high school, I began having severe heart palpitations, insomnia, and almost constant nausea. After many tests and much concern, it became evident that I was not suffering from a physical ailment, but rather Clinical Anxiety. My mind-body connection would rear its head once again during my undergraduate career, as I began having mysterious pain all throughout my body. The more doctors I saw, the fewer answers I received, the more depressed I became, the pain would get worse. I felt trapped. Thankfully, I have been able to control these severe aches through a specific diet, regular exercise, rest, and de-stressing (whenever possible!).

I feel very strongly about the cyclical relationship between lifestyle, mental, emotional, and physical well being. Perhaps this interconnected relationship seems obvious to some. If so, great! Spread the word! But as important as acknowledging mental and emotional health is, it is only part of the puzzle. And seeing as how my efforts are directed at the health of the whole student, much more attention needs to be placed on their physical well being than is currently the focus. More on this to come!

Almost a year ago now, I decided to put all  my practical experience to good use with the hopes of helping others like me: I became a Certified Wellness Coach, and a Lifestyle and Weight Management Specialist. This information and knowledge coupled with my personal history is the driving force behind my desire to ensure the best future possible for students.

Currently, I am creating a nutrition and physical activity program for grade 7 and 8 students which I will be using for a final project with Althouse College. As I share this experience via blog and track my (hopeful) success, I will also be working towards creating more opportunities like this one. I will also be posting interesting and useful articles, tips, and websites on the matter for anyone who would like to learn more. 

 But for now, g'night!

Kristine