Towanda Area School District -

Party Ideas

Childhood obesity is on the rise in the United States and all children need to learn to eat healthy. Children are only able to eat what parents or other adults have available for them, so as adults if we make healthy food available they will eat it.   Holiday parties will be starting in the schools and the Towanda Area School and Community Wellness Committee would like to remind you to think healthy foods. Some suggestions for those holiday parties are:

• Fruit kebobs using fresh or canned fruit and cheese cubes
• Crunchy vegetables sticks with low fat ranch dip
• Yogurt parfait with low-fat yogurt, fruit and nuts.
• “Light” microwave popcorn or hot air popped corn with grated parmesan cheese
• Make a mixture of nuts (almonds, pecans, pistachios, walnuts)pretzel sticks and dried fruit(raisins, cranberries, apple rings, apricots) and toss it in a zipper plastic bag.
• Top baked tortilla chips with low-fat cheddar cheese and heat until heated.
• Baked potato chips
• Pretzels
• Baked tortilla chips with salsa
• If cupcakes are desired, do the little mini cupcakes or make angel food instead of a regular cake.
• Fruit with a low-fat cream cheese and yogurt dip.

Contact Lenses Sold as Halloween Accessories Can Pose a Health Risk

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania departments of Health and State today warned that decorative or cosmetic contact lenses sold without a prescription can pose a serious health risk. Such lenses are popular during the Halloween season.

The joint warning notes that federal and state law requires prescriptions for contact lenses. If contacts are not obtained with a prescription from a properly trained and licensed health care professional, they can be dangerous.

“Contacts sold without a prescription at flea markets, costume shops, beauty salons, online and other places can cause serious damage to your eyes from improper fit,” said Department of Health Secretary Dr. Eli N. Avila. “Every eye has its own unique shape and curvature, and many of these decorative lenses lack proper instruction for use.”

Contact lenses that are improperly fitted or used can cause the loss of an eye, blindness, impaired vision, corneal damage, infection and allergic reactions.

 “Decorative or cosmetic lenses are considered medical devices under federal law, and are legally marketed as prescription devices,” said Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele, whose department licenses both physicians and optometrists in Pennsylvania. “The Pennsylvania Optometric Practice and Licensure Act requires a prescription by a licensed physician or optometrist for the fitting of a contact lens.”

 Dr. Avila urged parents to heed this warning, and consult a physician or optometrist if a child wants to wear a cosmetic or decorative contact lens.

Health Fair

What: Health Fair (with snacks and handouts provided)

When: March 2^nd, 5p-7p (right after first Friday)

Where: Towanda Elementary School (cafeteria and hallway)

Who: Everyone is welcome to attend

We will have the 4 H here with bunnies

Free Goodies for everyone

 

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR VENDORS FOR THE DAY:

Dentist: Dr. Owen, Department of Health, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Guthrie Trauma, Nutrition information from Penn State Coop and Memorial Hospital, ARCC, Medical Careers Club, 4 H Club and others. Pamphlets on: Nutrition, clubs, health and safety, concussion, dental care, and more!