Health and Wellness
Goals, Outcomes, and Resources
The South Dakota Discovery Center is partnered with the South Dakota Department of Health to implement engaging and impactful youth programs and outreach to families aimed at enhancing the overall health and well-being of our community. These programs will focus on three key areas: improving the consumption of fruits and vegetables, increasing levels of physical activity, and promotion of a tobacco-free lifestyle. Through these comprehensive efforts, we hope to create a positive and lasting impact on the health of our community.
To measure our success in this endeavor, we will focus on the following outcomes:
- Communication of Harvest of the Month, Move Your Way®, and tobacco cessation to schools, youth organizations, and other statewide partners using social media, print media, and participation in local community events.
- Integration of Harvest of the Month and Move Your Way® curriculum into the Little STEAMers Preschool to encourage healthy habits from an early age.
- Focusing a South Dakota Discovery Center Exhibit around improved nutrition, physical activity, and overall well-being, fostering a healthier community.
For more information please contact Allison Graviett-Pfaff.
Resources
Through the South Dakota Department of Health, the South Dakota Discovery Center is happy to communicate the following disease prevention information and education resources:
Get FREE Lesson Plans with Harvest of the Month!
Harvest of the Month is an engaging downloadable educational program that makes learning about fruits and vegetables enjoyable and delicious! This versatile resource is perfect for parents, teachers, and educators looking to inspire children to embrace healthier eating habits and explore the world of fruits and veggies in a fun way.
How it Works
Harvest of the Month materials are tailored for preschoolers, elementary, and middle school students, making them suitable for various settings—whether in individual classrooms, health or PE classes, school assemblies, after-school programs, or even at home.
When paired with produce sampling, these resources transform fruits and vegetables into exciting and enjoyable experiences. Kids of all ages can explore new flavors and textures, discover creative ideas for the kitchen, and feel confident to ask for more fruits and veggies in their meals.
Each Presentation Includes:
- Fruit or vegetable history
- Peak seasons
- Vitamin and mineral information
- How to find it at the store
You’ll also Receive:
- Presenter outline
- Powerpoint for students
- Presenter talking points that follow the Powerpoint for students
- Stickers of the fruit
- Student handout with recipes that can be taken home
My child is always very excited to tell me about harvest of the month. It also helps my child try things that he would not normally try at home. I think this program is great! — Parent of elementary student, Read More Testimonials
MOVE YOUR WAY®
Whenever you Move Your Way® and elevate your heart rate, you reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and decrease other health risk factors. Even just five minutes of physical activity can provide meaningful health benefits, and you don’t need a gym membership to get started!
Make your move to keep South Dakota motivated and active
Health and wellness champions are leveraging Move Your Way® tools to inspire and educate loved ones about the importance of regular physical activity. By prioritizing your own fitness and encouraging those around you to be more active, you can significantly enhance the overall health of yourself, your family, and your community. The best part is that these activities can be tailored for various environments, ages, and abilities, including:
- adults
- parents, educators & schools
- early childhood centers
- tribal communities
- organizations & worksites
- youth groups, kids, and more!
No matter who you are, you can find safe, fun ways to get active—to move your way.
Want to get more physical? Build a weekly plan
Are your kids getting enough physical activity? Find out!
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The way we live our lives and the joy and fulfillment we find each day significantly impact our overall Health & Wellness. Health can be measured in various dimensions, including emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social aspects. These areas often intersect and evolve as we progress through different stages of life, making it essential to discover the right balance for each individual. Explore the featured partners and resources below to learn more about enhancing your Health & Wellness.
Good and Healthy South Dakota
Calling all public health, healthcare professionals, educators, employers, and community advocates! Visit the South Dakota Department of Health Office of Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion sister site for evidence-based strategies and solutions to help improve quality of life.
Chronic Disease Programs
Learn about what these programs are doing to prevent the leading causes of death and disability in South Dakota and find out how to get connected to their services to get the support you need.
Healthy Partners
There are so many ways to help people improve their health and South Dakota organizations are ready to lend a hand. Explore ways to work together with healthy partners to improve health and wellness in your community.
Parenting Resources
Parenting is easier when you have support! Here are key resources for new parents, families, and caregivers. Connect with a team to get information and answers to your parenting questions.
Having regular routines or practices and creating positive habits can help us find balance. And, that improves our physical and mental health. There are many tools, resources, and support services you can tap into to create a healthier lifestyle. Check out the tips and articles here to help you get started.