SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH & WELLNESS
Health and wellness is important for not only kids but the whole family, keeping everyone physically and mentally healthy in our fast paced world to warn off stress and sickness is on the top of my list. Some people may be overwhelmed with all the information out there and find it hard to know where to start so this month’s Spotlight is looking at great educational content to learn about health and wellness - whether you want to play with your food, live clean, manage disease through diet, or make small lifestyle changes to deliver a big change, there’s something here for everyone.
A great place to start is by taking a look at the App Store’s Clean Living Collection, which is a hand-picked selection of apps, books, and music designed to help people stay healthy and stress free.
For primary students
by School Kit NZ (iTunes U)
A collection of resources to help teachers engage primary students in learning about food and why it’s so important for the body, students will look at the use of artificial flavourings, the culture of smoothies, what influences the way we eat and discovering international cuisine.
by School Kit NZ (iTunes U)
Using New Zealand's dairy industry as a case study, learn how to read nutrition labels and investigate why they don’t always give the full picture of what’s in our food. Students are then challenged to create their own easy to understand nutrition label for kids.
by Sarah Wilson (iBook)
The immensely popular I Quit Sugar from Sarah Wilson, now helps mums and dads feed their families with nourishing, nutrient dense food. The book focuses on convenient and simple recipes for every occasion, and tips to get kids interested in cooking and growing their own food.
For Secondary, Tertiary & Lifelong learners
by Coppell High School (iTunes U)
This student-designed course is designed to encourage healthier lifestyles via gradual and powerful changes. Looking beyond diet and exercise, this course also examines how mental health, sleep and daily habits contribute to a better lifestyle.
by La Trobe University, VIC (Podcast)
Hosted by dieticians and researchers from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at La Trobe University, this podcast educates listeners on the relationship between food and health, and how food can play a role in the management of diseases and conditions.
by Madman Production Company (app)
Uncover the ‘hidden’ sugar in the packaged food and beverages that you and your family are eating. Track how much sugar you’re consuming and set challenges to reduce your daily intake.
by Ben Birchall and Emily Naismith (Podcast)
A factual food fight podcast. Every episode, the hosts pick one ingredient and present three mind-blowing facts, anecdotes or uses for it. Listeners can then vote on the most interesting ingredient via social media.
Apple Watch for health and wellness
Get the encouragement or information you need, at the right time, with Apple Watch, making it easy and natural to develop good habits for a healthier lifestyle. WaterMinder
by Funn Media (app)
We all know the importance of staying hydrated, now users can easily track their hydration level at a glance, right on their Watch face.
by Headspace (app)
Modern lifestyles can be overrun with busy schedules and stress, this app gives the opportunity for users to take a moment and relax with simple meditation.
by Zervas (app)
The to-do list that helps you form good habits. Track up to six tasks that you want to complete every day; your goal is to stay focussed, get things done, and build a streak of consecutive days.
3 Minute Mindfulnessby Honeyseed (app)
This app works to relieve anxiety & tension by helping users pay closer attention to their breathing to help relieve anxiety and tension.