On Wednesday, December 4th, our students in eighth grade through High School participated in a Health Awareness Day coordinated through Mrs. Zisa Levin, Director of Yehi Ohr of the Jewish Community Services and our school social worker Mrs. Batsheva Scheinberg. Through a round robin of four workshops the students spent the bulk of the day of learning about various aspects of mental and physical well-being.
The girls were taught about making healthy food choices that fuel the body. They learnt to become aware of how different foods impact their mental health. Dr. Lytal Pichon used practical food examples to help the students think about incorporating healthy food choices and how foods affect our brains.
The students were led through a stress management presentation, facilitated by Dr. Jessica Dahan, who specializes in treating anxiety disorders and phobias in children and adolescents. Dr. Dahan helped the girls explore their stress and include healthy ways to minimize or manage unhealthy stress. The students learned about the importance of sleep, exercise, positive thinking, healthy foods and breathing!
Additionally, Mrs. Ali Gutfruend, a licensed marriage and family therapist, educated the girls about the impact of body image and social media. The workshop explored how impacting society expectations can be and how we should all think about the 'agenda' of the media. The girls were brought into the workshop by putting on a pair of glasses to learn how to see things from a new perspective.
And lastly, the health day included an energetic and fantastic workout! Jessica Courtney, a CrossFit certified trainer, certified in Movement & Mobility, gave the girls a full body WOD (workout of the day)! The girls incorporated breathing exercises, burpies and high intensity cardio movement to get them moving. With rosy cheeks, the girls left their workout feeling positive, energized and active.
A little information about the presenters:
Lytal Pichon, Psy.D. received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She has a private practice where she treats adults and children in both English and Hebrew. Dr. Pichon practices nutritional psychology where she looks at how your physical health and lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and sleep affects the brain health. Additionally, Dr. Pichon specializes in the assessment of psychological disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. Lytal can be reached out DrLytalPichon@gmail.com.
Jessica Dahan, Ph.D. is a graduate of Florida International University with a doctorate in developmental psychology. She is fluent in English and French. Jessica specializes in treating anxiety disorders and phobias in children and adolescents. Jessica also provides individual and family therapy. Her aim is to promote the healthy development of children. Jessica can be reached out JDahan@jcsfl.org
Ali Gutfreund, LMFT, has an MA in Jewish Education from Hebrew University and an MS in Counseling from Barry University. She is the co-author of "the JGirls' Guide" a book for non-affiliated girls coming of age. Mrs. Gutfreund has taught at Touro College and uses a comprehensive and eclectic approaches to treating anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues and family issues. Ali can be reached at AliFeldman@gmail.com.
Jessica Courtney, CrossFit certified trainer, Movement & Mobility certification is a mom of 3 teens and feels that moving is an important part of everyday! Her love for exercise started with daily runs that transitioned into marathon racing, then High Intensity training and Mindfulness practices. She has been teaching fitness and movement for over ten years, to women of all ages and levels. Jessica can be contacted at Jesscourtney3@gmail.com.
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