We called him “Mr. Fin.” I don’t remember too much else about my eighth grade health class teacher Don Finlayson, except his lanky, lean physique and wavy, silver hair. In his younger years, I think he’d been an athlete or a coach, maybe both. What struck me most about Mr. Fin was his vitality, though […]
The kids can hardly contain their excitement. It’s PE (physical education) time. They’re waiting for the “big” signal. “Baba” Eric Hoffman the PE teacher calls out the words Army, Air Force, or Navy. The kids have to run to each line correctly. Go to the wrong line and they’re out. It’s a warm-up game designed […]
Inside Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology in Detroit, students can have chicken quesadillas, brown cheesy rice, mixed vegetables, and other healthy choices for lunch. Getting healthy foods at convenience stores around Timbuktu is a little different. Motor City Marketplace, located on Mack and St. Jean, is roughly walking distance from the school, is larger […]
LaTasha Flake (“Mama LaTasha”) always serves you with an infectious smile. It’s her way, really. A bubble of energy, care, attention and fun. As a morning and afternoon bus monitor, she helps make sure students at Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology are getting healthier choices in their meals. When it was announced Timbuktu would […]
What we do, they do. Our kids are like sponges. They soak up everything around them, even when you are certain they are not paying attention. That’s why we decided to invest in Growing Healthy Communities series (and Building Healthy Communities program coverage) beginning this month. It’s an exclusive 12-month series that looks inside our […]
Improving Michigan’s health is a top priority for Governor Rick Snyder, which is why he created the Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 plan. The plan lays out strategies for reducing obesity and improving health and wellness. As director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, I am proud to partner with […]
Raising a child in the second decade of the 21st century is difficult. The tools and resources they need to succeed are oftentimes overwhelming. There are answers and they start with learning good nutrition and having access to healthy food choices. That is a family issue and community challenge. Something needs to change in our […]