A new year is a time that many of us make resolutions about health – how to be more active, eat better, and give ourselves some time to heal and grow.
The 4—H pledges notes our Head – making good decisions, our Heart – showing loyalty and compassion, our Hands – with a focus on service to others, and our Health for our clubs, community, country, and world.
4-H has several great resources for youth to think about their health! One of these is the Health and Wellness Project that 4-H members can enroll in to explore health, exercise, and recreation as vital parts of daily life. (Check out this project page at https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/4H1108.pdf).
Within the Health and Wellness project, 4-H members can explore bicycling, first aid, and keeping fit! A great resource to go with this is the “Take A Hike” Challenge in the Kansas Clover Classroom. This is a fun resource that can be downloaded for free at https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/leader-resources/cloverclassroom/index.html. Other resources in this section encourage youth and their families to get outside and explore such as sportfishing, geology collecting, and tracking wildlife!
Youth can learn about healthy eating in the Foods and Nutrition project. You will usually see pies, cakes, and cookies on display at the fair because a salad or casserole can’t be displayed! 4-H members are learning how to measure, read ingredients, and understand the role of food in many aspects of our lives.
Horticulture provides a project for youth and their families to explore growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers and includes lots of physical activity. All of the 4-H animal projects from Pets to Poultry teach caring for and training an animal which is good for mental and emotional health as well.
Health is an important part of our Head, Heart, Hands, and Health so check out some resources or give me a call to discuss how 4-H can help your youth improve their health and well-being!
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.
Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.