By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
Garrett County elementary school students have been working their way through healthy lifestyle challenges for the Play Hard, Live Clean campaign and most recently completed a water and milk challenge. 725 students drank ONLY water or milk for at least 10 days during February, representing 43% of the student body. 98% of the students at Route 40 Elementary School completed the challenge and 92% at Accident Elementary School.
“We’re trying to get kids to understand the value of healthy drinks, as opposed to sodas, sports drinks, and other beverages that are sweetened or caffeinated,” explained Amy Ritchie, dietitian at the Garrett County Health Department and member of the Play Hard, Live Clean team. “Milk is important to kids because it is a significant source of protein which helps with growth and boosts immunity. Water keeps the joints, bones, and teeth healthy, as well as improving mood and memory.”
During March, students have been challenged to get moving and complete a minimum of 10 physical activities, such as a game of tag, riding a bicycle, taking a family hike, jumping rope, or dancing. With each challenge completed, students earn a keychain that goes along with the challenge. For completing the water and milk challenge, students earned a cow key chain. For any student that completes all three challenges (January’s mindfulness; February’s water/milk; March’s physical activity), he or she will receive a gold medal.
Play Hard, Live Clean is a campaign of the Garrett County Health Department and the Garrett County Public Schools and is designed to encourage youth to make good choices by recognizing and rewarding them for certain positive lifestyle accomplishments from kindergarten through graduation.
Cutline: Pictured above are four students from Broadford Elementary School who completed the Play Hard, Live Clean milk and water challenge (from left to right) are Hunter Harris, AX Michaels, Gunner Howell, and Noah Harris. Three of the four are showing off their cow keychains.
Contact: [email protected]
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