Craig Scott

Craig Scott
Mike Vitelli and Craig Scott

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Role Models

We often use the term "role model" too loosely in our society. I've seen blog posts, tweets, articles, etc from people who are disappointed in someone like Tiger Woods because he was such a "role model". Do we place too much emphasis on what the person is athletically able to do and less about who they are? Who are your role models and why? What SHOULD a good role model say or do? What type of character should they have? Is it fair to celebrities for us to just assume they live the perfect lives so we can look up to them??

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Rachel's Challenge

What an amazing day yesterday was for Norton High School and also the Norton Community. A special thanks to Craig Scott for his presentations and also thanks to the student body for being so open minded and allowing their hearts to be vulnerable. I honestly believe with the work we've done as a Wellness department leading up to this presentation and also the committment from students to make Rachel's Challenge happen, that we can affect a cultural change for the better at NHS.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Wellness Assignment #4

What role does our current culture and societal norms play in not only comfort level with our own sexuality but also it's influence regarding sexual harassment?

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Wellness Assigment #3

Bullying occurs frequently during a regular school day. Without giving out personal information and/or names...please describe different types of bullying you see on a day to day basis. Understand that you yourself may be guilty of even some subtle degrees of bullying.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Wellness Assignment #2

IMPACT of Your Choice

There was a lot of raw emotion from victims and victims families in the video that we saw. What particular emotion, statement or feature of the video really stood out to you and why? What impact might it have on your life, OR have you already been impacted by a similar scenario? Elaborate on personal situations only if you feel comfortable doing so...

Friday, September 18, 2009

Wellness Assignment

We learned about the 5 Components of Rachel's Challenge. Which challenge is most personally important to you and what can YOU do to help spread Rachel's challenge based on that particular component? Be specific please...

1. Choose Positive Influences
2. Dream big and Journal about it
3. Practice Acts of Kindness
4. Eliminate prejiduce
5. Start a Chain reaction of compassion

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Rachel's Challenge

I really enjoyed accompanying members of our Leadership Council to the presentation of Rachel's Challenge at Medway High School today. This was an extremely powerful presentation that will hopefully have a long lasting imprint on NHS. We'd like to get this initiative up and running at NHS and I want as many people who believe in this crusade to join me. If you don't know what Rachel's Challenge is, you need to check out this website kyvoice.com/winchestersun/newerworld/?cat=18 Be prepared to question what type of person you are and if you are living up to Rachel's Challenge. HERE is her challenge:

1. Choose Positive Influences
2. Dream big and Journal about it
3. Practice Acts of Kindness
4. Eliminate prejiduce
5. Start a Chain reaction of compassion

I would like to start the F.O.R. Club here at NHS. Please let me know if you are interested in being a part of this and what you would like to do to help.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Attention Athletes!

As you know, poor eating habits such as not eating breakfast, a diet high in fatty foods and low in nutrients and late night fast food runs, can derail any athletes’ performance. There are many benefits to eating well for athletes such as improved athletic performance, decreased stress, healthy weight maintenance, etc. Make your season a more efficient one by taking care of your body. Best of luck to all of our NHS athletes as you start the fall season.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Mock Crash Video

Here is a link for the Mock Crash Video...thanks to the SADD members who participated and to the Norton fire, police and ambulance units for helping make this a great production.


http://www.schooltube.com/video/34174/NHS-Mock-Accident-2009

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Many Thanks!

Thanks to all those who volunteered and gave the gift of life at our bi-annual blood drive. I'd have to double check the numbers, but I'm pretty sure that this was our most successful blood drive to date. Including teachers, the Red Cross was able to serve over 100 donors. Awesome job everyone!! Also, HUGE thanks and congrats to our SADD group who did an absolutely flawless job. YOU guys are the biggest reason the blood drive has garnered so much attention and that it runs so smoothly. If you didn't get a chance to donate, we'll be hosting the blood drive again next fall and we plan on using the whole gym so as to serve all those people that we had to unfortunately turn away. Thanks again to everyone who played a part.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Melanoma Newsletter

Here is a great Newsletter to check out regarding Skin protection and the dangers of melanoma. With prom season approaching and warm weather on the horizon, keep in mind that the sun, natural or "fake" can be harmful.


http://skincheck.org/Newsletter3_09.pdf

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Blood Drive/March 20th

Once again, the Blood Drive is coming to NHS. The SADD group will be running this event and it is set to take place NEXT Friday, March 20th. Please sign up during lunches for this life saving event. You can sign up with Mr. Barth, CJ McMahon...or any other member of SADD, or myself (Mr. Vitelli). REMINDER!!! Under new policy, 16 year olds are eligible to give blood with a signed consent form. Minimum weight limit to give blood is 110lbs.

It DOES NOT hurt more than a tad and it goes a long way towards helping to save lives. If you've had tattoos or piercings in the last year you are NOT eligible.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Kathi Meyer Presentation

Kathi is the mother of Taylor who was the young girl that lost her life in an alcohol related accident. Kathi will be sharing her personal story in hopes of influencing other teens to make safer decisions. She will discuss the underage drinking epidemic and strategies to protect against a similar situation occurring.

Kathi will be speaking to parents the night of March 12th at 6pm. She will then address the student body during the school day on March 13th. Parents are asked, encouraged and suggested to join us and members of SADD for her presentation the night of the 12th to help support in the fight to curb underage drinking.

National Nutrition Month

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month®? The American Dietetic Association suggests following these tips to help make healthy changes in your lifestyle.

Make a plan: Adopt a few specific small changes. “When you make a realistic plan, the changes won’t seem so overwhelming,” says Ginn-Meadow. “A few small healthy changes, such as adding one piece of fruit to your diet each day, aren’t difficult to do and can make a huge difference to your health.”

Focus on your food: “Plan out your meals so you aren’t forced to make unhealthy decisions based on convenience,” says Ginn-Meadow. “Making sure you eat balanced meals with appropriate portions will help you manage your caloric intake.”

Make calories count: “Make meal choices that focus on nutrient rich foods,” says Ginn-Meadow. The majority of your food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients.

Increase physical activity: Regular physical activity is important for overall health and fitness. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults be physically active for about an hour a day.

Play it safe: “Even the right food choices can affect your health if you don’t follow food safety rules,” says Ginn-Meadow. Always clean hands and food-contact surfaces, keep raw and cooked foods separate, cook foods to a proper temperature and chill leftovers promptly to avoid illness.

Be aware of special needs: Nutritional needs change depending upon your age and overall health. “Older adults need more vitamin D and calcium to help maintain bone health,” says Ginn-Meadow. “It’s important to check with a registered dietitian to figure out what your specific nutritional needs are.”

The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Influenza Update (THE FLU)

What is Influenza:

The flu is a very contagious disease of the respiratory (breathing ) system. The flu is easily passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. It is usually very unpleasant, but for most people symptoms get better after 7-10 days.

The flu usually starts suddenly with: These symptoms are accompanied by:
· Fever (from 102⁰ to 104⁰) lasting 3-4 days • Dry cough
· Headache • Sore throat
· Severe muscle aches • Runny or stuffy nose
· General weakness/extreme fatigue

What to do if you have the flu:

· Avoid large crowds
· Rest in bed
· Drink lots of fluids
· Take non- aspirin pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen
· Take a flu break, go home
· If possible stay home from work, school, errands as long as you have symptoms

How to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu:

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or an alcohol based hand gel.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
· Avoid close contact. Don’t hold, hug or kiss anyone who has a cold or the flu
· Clean things that are touched often like door handles, phones, computer keyboards and water faucets

Heart Health

Think you’re too young to worry about your heart? Think again! What you eat now affects your heart health for years to come.

What’s good? Fiber, omega – 3 fatty acids, mono and polyunsaturated fats.

What’s not so good? Cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fats.

Find out how much fat you need in your diet using this tool by the American heart association:
www.myfatstranslator.com

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Get Active in '09!

Looking for reasons to get active this year? How about these:

1. Less Risk of Health Problems
2. Stronger Bones
3. More Endurance
4. Trimmer Body
5. Stronger Muscles
6. Better Mental Outlook
7. Better Coordination and Flexibility
8. Injury Protection
9. Stress Relief and Better Sleep
10. Feel Younger Longer

Whatever the reason, make it a New Year’s Goal to achieve a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity a day.

Friday, January 23, 2009

New Year's Resolutions!

This New Year, make resolutions realistic...

For 2009, resolve to do something you really can carry out. Don’t resolve to completely give up certain foods, lose an unreasonable amount of weight, or set unrealistic exercise goals.

Resolve to develop an eating and exercise plan that you can follow. Assess your eating habits, including what and how much you eat. Check your list against the Food Guide Pyramid to determine where changes need to be made.
Then, make one small change per week: Switch from whole milk to 2 percent or add one serving of fruit or vegetables to your diet each day, gradually working up to at least five a day.

If you make your goal realistic and achievable, you’ll have a much better chance of keeping your resolutions.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Eating Mindfully

What does it mean to “eat mindfully”?

Eating mindfully means taking the time to focus on what you are eating. It means noticing the taste, look and smell of the food which in turn makes it more fulfilling and enjoyable to eat.
The next time you eat a snack or meal, take a minute to notice how it looks. Is the bagel soft, is the toast crunchy, is the apple bright red or the chicken a nice golden brown. Next notice how the food smells. Does it sweet, spicy, rich and creamy or does it have a pungent smell. Now take a bite, a small bite and keep the food on your tongue for a moment before swallowing it. Notice how the flavors are affecting your taste buds. Is it sweet, salty, sour or bitter? Now take time to chew the food and notice how flavorful it feels. Is there butter or a creamy sauce on it that makes it taste rich and smooth or is there a hint of pepper and seasonings that perk up the senses. Finally, after you swallow the morsel, notice how fulfilling that bite just tasted. Did that bite of food taste better to you?
It is important in our busy, on the go, hectic lives to take the time to enjoy food. Food is our nourishment, it sustains us and keeps us moving and meeting our goals. Food nourishes us and gives us energy to play sports, study for a test or any number of tasks that we ask of our bodies each day.
By eating on the go, while watching TV, playing on the computer, talking on the phone, driving in the car, walking to class or any number of other things we multitask while eating, we do ourselves and our bodies a disservice.
We don’t fully appreciate and enjoy the food.
We don’t feel as satisfied with the meal/snack.
We feel hungry soon after because our mind wasn’t fully focused on the meal and still thinks its hungry.
We tend to overeat when we don’t pay attention to what we’re eating and when we eat while we’re distracted.
So when you eat your next meal or snack, try to be more mindful of what and how you’re eating.
Your body will thank you for it!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Don't Like to Shovel??

According to the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, just 15 minutes of snow shoveling counts as moderate physical activity! And seeing as how the optimum stay-in-goal for aerobic activity is 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 3 times a week - then shoveling snow certainly fits the bill! The flip side of this is that just like any other kind of sports activity -- if you’re going to shovel snow you need to warm up first and stretch out a bit. Think of shoveling snow as an exercise similar to bent-over rowing that you would do with a barbell in the gym. Or compare it to bicep curls with a dumb bell or barbell. You wouldn’t just go in the gym and start doing those exercises without a warm-up. Researchers have reported an increase in the number of fatal heart attacks among those who shovel snow after heavy snowfalls. This rise may be due to the sudden demand that shoveling places on an individual's heart. Snow shoveling may cause a quick increase in heart rate and blood pressure. One study determined that after only two minutes of shoveling, a sedentary man's heart rates rose to levels higher than those normally recommended during aerobic exercise. Hey -- shoveling represents an intense workout even for healthy college-aged students! A study performed by researchers at North Dakota State University determined that, based on heart rate, shoveling was a moderately intense activity for college-aged subjects most of the time but was vigorous activity during about one-third of their shoveling time of 14 minutes. Shoveling can be made more difficult by the weather. Cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds some extra strain on the body, so think before you shovel. Stretch out first, dress warmly in layers and bend at the knees when you’re hurling that shovel-full of snow. Remember to lift with your legs not your back.Now that I’ve presented a few safety concerns to you, let’s talk about snow shoveling technique! The goal here is to clear your sidewalks and driveway AND get in a nice cardio workout. !Make sure you have a good snow shovel. Most snow shovels have open ends that allow you to easily toss the snow off to the side. - Consider your physical condition. If you are out of shape you should proceed with caution. When you shovel you are simultaneously pushing, lifting and lunging, and this will have a quick effect on your muscles and stamina. Come to think of it, shoveling snow has a lot in common with chopping wood. Snow is heavy and shoveling is hard work - you don't want to risk a serious injury or jeopardize your health. If you have a heart condition or back problems, you should definitely not shovel snow unless your doctor approves it.- Work toward the areas where you are depositing the snow so that you have less distance to toss it as you tire. Chip away any ice that you find under the snow and remove the chunks with the shovel. - Spread rock salt over the cleared area to avoid icing. Sand any areas that remain slippery. As snow falls, you will find yourself outside shoveling every few days, which coincidently is what you want to be doing if you want to feel the benefits of shoveling snow! Shoveling snow presents challenges even for those of you who are reasonably fit. The National Safety Council offers the following tips to help you get a handle on safe shoveling: - Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful. If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's permission. - Do not shovel after eating or while smoking. - Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet, packed-down variety. - Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way. - Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a large one. - Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately