Henry Gets Moving

Henry’s effect

ChazNielsen — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:08:03 +0000

Last week, we did a reading at an elementary school in Agawam, Mass. Family Bike, a bike shop in Agawam, donated 80 books to all the first graders and the school, so each child went home with their own book. What’s the effect? I’ll share an email from Cheryll O’Connor, one of the first grade teachers at the school:

“I am very excited to tell you that your message has made a big difference in their lives. On Monday mornings, they begin the day by writing about what they did over the weekend. Until today, I always hear about video games, movies, or they say they didn’t do anything. Well, this past weekend, they read your book with their parents, and they Got Moving! I heard about bike riding, walking to the park rather than driving, taking a nice long walk, and even bowling! I think you got some parents to Get Moving too!”

This is so cool to hear. When we come to a school to read, it’s a fun event for the children. When donors can provide books, the kids take the message home and bring it into their lives. Much thanks goes to Trevor at Family Bike for making this possible. Keep moving everyone!

More local press for Team Henry

ChazNielsen — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:56:56 +0000

New write-up about Henry Gets Moving on Masslive.com. You can read the story here.

UMass hockey team reading at Hadley elementary

ChazNielsen — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 17:22:58 +0000

We did a great event last week at the Hadley, MA, elementary school. The UMass men’s hockey team came out to read with all the kids and a donor provided 400 books for all the kids in the school. The kids loved Henry, Jasmine, and Squirm, and were super excited to get autographs from their favorite players. Thanks to UMass Sports, Dr. Jon Bayuk, and Hadley elementary for making this happen!

Walking and working, works!

ChazNielsen — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 03:42:23 +0000

No surprises here – the Henry team has ants in their pants and can never sit still for very long. Maybe that’s a good thing, because there’s mounting evidence that sitting all day is unhealthy. Even a little amount of movement goes a long way. Treadmill desks are gaining popularity as a way to keep moving while at work.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/11/19/165293511/can-you-move-it-and-work-it-on-a-treadmill-desk

There are lots of ways to insert a little activity into your day. Park in the back of a parking lot, take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, spend “hanging out” time going for a walk instead of sitting. A little movement can go a long way!

Just have fun!

ChazNielsen — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 21:13:49 +0000

Doc Rouzier and I spent Thursday at the New England chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine conference. The keynote speaker, Dr. Andrew Pipe, delivered a great presentation, and one part of it really stuck with me – If we’re going to turn around this obesity epidemic, we need to inspire kids to just get outside and play.

Being part of a team is a great experience for kids to have. But sometimes we get too focused on team sports and forget that you don’t need to be part of a team to be physically active. You can just go run around and play, making up rules and using your imagination to create your own games with your family and friends. I think there are two keys to successfully maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

1. Be part of a community. Being part of a community gives you a network of support that encourages healthy behaviors. Plus, it gives you people to talk to.

2. Have fun being active. Don’t think of physical activity as something you have to suffer through – find a way to make it fun!

These are the things that help me stay active. Keep moving, my friends.

Chaz

Extra pounds increase chance of hospitalization

ChazNielsen — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:08:42 +0000

More good reason to get moving and eat healthy! A recent study in the International Journal of Obesity by Australian researchers has shown that an increase in BMI leads to an increased chance of hospitalization. NBC Vitals has a good summary of the article.

BMI (Body-Mass Index), is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. A BMI of 18-25 is considered normal. A BMI lower than 18 indicates that you may be underweight. Over 25 is an indicator of being overweight or obese. You can calculate your BMI here.

Swap soda for water!

ChazNielsen — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 19:08:52 +0000

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that drinking water or low-sugar, low-calorie drinks instead of sugary, high-calorie drinks can decrease weight gain in children. CBS news has posted an excellent summary of the report .

There are many things that can contribute to being overweight or obese. Removing or minimizing soda consumption and presence can help decrease weight gain. A favorite technique in Jasmine’s house is to squeeze citrus (orange, lemon, or lime) into a pitcher of water and keep it in the refrigerator.

Henry Gets Moving – Available NOW!

ChazNielsen — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:35:15 +0000

We’ve been eagerly awaiting Henry’s arrival, and he’s finally here! You can buy a copy for yourself or donate copies to the Holyoke, Mass., community.

Henry’s getting moving!

NickRouzier — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 22:11:29 +0000

Henry’s had a busy summer. He’s running off to the printer and will be available soon!