The Treeswing Edition

 As you know, the 2008 Green Halloween initiative was a program of Treeswing, a Seattle-based non-profit working to help raise generations of healthy kids.

In 2009, Treeswing will become Green Halloween's beneficiary (profits raised will be contributed to them).

We're excited to continue to partner with and support this amazing organization and look forward to the year ahead.

You are receiving this edition of the Treeswing newsletter to give you a taste of Treeswing's other exciting programs.

Because you are a Green Halloween subscriber, we know you're interested in creating healthy holidays - but we have a feeling you might also be interested in staying healthy the rest of the year, too.

That's what Treeswing is all about, and that's why we've sent you this newsletter. If you like what you see, click here to receive Treeswing 's news, tips and advice.

And keep your eye out for a new Green Halloween newsletter, which will be jam packed with exciting updates, tips and even a special gift just for you.

Happy New Year!

- Corey

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Proximity to fast food restaurants impacts kids' health 

A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health finds that students whose schools are located within one-half mile of fast food restaurants are more likely to be overweight or obese than students whose schools are not near fast food venues. 

Learn more about how one's environment can impact health here.

Wondering what the latest tips, trends and studies have revealed about childhood obesity? Visit www.treeswing.org for the most interesting news articles that have been published recently.

This crowd was jumpin'!

Nearly 100 kids and parents gathered at the Northwest Film Forum for Treeswing’s screening of JUMP!, a fun and fast-paced documentary that follows five teams competing for the World Rope Skipping Competition. Attendees were wowed by a live performance from Hot Dog USA, an area jump rope team ranked among the top ten in the country.  

Healthy snacks including fruit, popcorn and Clif Bars – no Red Vines here! – rounded out a great afternoon of family fun. It's not too late for you to watch Jump! - catch a showing during the Children’s Film Festival at NWFF. View the schedule here. 

Save the date ~ April 26, 2009

Don’t miss the 4th Annual Treeswing Boardwalk 5K Run and Fitness Carnival on April 26 at Husky Stadium.

This event has something for everyone – test your speed in the 5K Run, get in stride with the Walk of Champions, or hop/skip/jump through the Fitness Carnival. It’s a great opportunity for kids (and parents) of all ages to get out and be active.

Registration available at www.Treeswing.org beginning next month.

Treeswing is partnering with Mary Meyer Life Fitness to host an all kids’ triathlon in late August. Our goal is to encourage children of all ages, shapes and sizes to have fun and achieve their best while swimming, biking and running.

If you are interested in becoming involved with this event, whether by supporting the planning or volunteering at the event, email info@treeswing.org.  Watch our website for more details on this first-of-its-kind Seattle event.

Treeswing recently moved to a new office at 3161 Elliott Avenue, near the SAM Olympic Sculpture Park. Looking out on Puget Sound, we are thrilled to walk out our door onto the Myrtle Edwards Park path. Come visit us and take a walk.

Sadly, Treeswing’s Communication and Program Manager Elyse Rowe is moving on. She will join the team at Unitus, an international non-profit working to alleviate global poverty. We are grateful to Elyse for all she has done to launch Treeswing and improve our children’s health.