Alpharetta Elementary PTA

Healthy Kids

Join Alphie’s Team Wellness!
Stay healthy. Be Fit!

Upcoming Community Events:

• October 10 – Rowdy Ralph Run 5k/10k, Alpharetta
• October 10 – Historic Roswell 5K, Roswell
• December 5 – ATC Cross Country 5K , Milton

Click here www.rungeorgia.com for more information on these and other area races,

Health/Wellness Recipe:

Flu Fighter cookies (courtesy of Food Network Magazine):

These contain 5 powerful ingredients that might not cure the flu, but can help!

• Ginger: Used in the Far East since the 1500s, it has some strong antiviral compounds and its antihistamine properties help combat congestion
• Cranberries: Provide twice as many antioxidants as apples (helps your body fight off cell-damaging molecules)
• Oats: Rich in selenium, a nutrient that helps fend off free radicles
• Walnuts: Contain zinc – helpful in keeping viruses from reproducing in your body
• Yogurt: Helps to balance your digestive tract, boosting your ability to absorb healthful vitamins and minerals

Ingredients (makes 30 cookies):

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 11/4 teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ t baking soda
• ¾ t ground cinnamon
• ½ t fresh grated nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves
• ¼ t salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¼ cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 T fresh grated ginger
• 2t finely grated lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• ½ cup oats
• 1 ¼ cups golden raisins
• 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
• 1 ¼ cups roughly chopped walnuts, toasted

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt in a medium bowl.

Beat the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (3 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Add the molasses, yogurt, ginger and lemon zest and beat until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the flour mixture to make a sticky batter (do not overmix). Fold in the oats and half of the raisins, cranberries and walnuts. Mix the remaining dried fruit and nuts in a small bowl and set aside.

Drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Top each with some of the reserved dried-fruit-and-nut mixture and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375.

Bake 10-12 minutes and cool on a rack.

You can find other tips on eating healthy and nutrition (including a customized eating plan) at:

• www.dole5aday.com
• www.mypyramid.gov
• www.health.msn.com

AES’ Health/Wellness Committee

We serve to promote school-wide wellness initiatives and general health awareness.
Activities planned for the school year include:

• Vision/Health Screenings (September 9th)
• Jump Rope for Heart (February 16-18)
• Red Ribbon Week (October 19-23)
• Field Day (May 17-18)

In addition, we will provide links to upcoming community-wide health events, youth sports programs, general health/wellness tips, healthy recipe ideas and school-wide wellness programs.

Jump on board and join the team! If you’re interested in volunteering your time, please contact either
Molly Mathis or Michelle Gordon.