It’s wintertime and we often feel sluggish. Knowing that the winter months have an impact on our mood and behavior, it's vital that we keep moving. As we mentioned last month, fresh snow can be peaceful with its sound absorbing qualities. Playing in the woods or on a playground in the winter can be the daily boost we need to combat the winter blues. Here are some other ideas to try with your family.

• Join Integrated Pediatric Therapies for aquatic therapy. Move your physical, occupation, and speech-language therapy sessions to the water with us! Space is limited. 
• Participate in some laughter therapy! If you’ve been with us for a while, you know we value the importance of finding joy in our time with you and your children. Evidence tells us that the act of laughing stimulates our heart, lungs, muscles, and vocal cords. Let us incorporate laughter yoga into your therapeutic services and laugh a lot at home (even a fake laugh is contagious). 
• JCC Chicago and JCFS are proud to partner to better serve our communities. Strengthen your muscles and friendships with JCC Chicago’s All Star Abilities! Teens, ages 12-18 with and without disabilities can join this peer-to-peer fitness program to prioritize health and wellness, achieve their fitness goals and form new friendships. Sundays, starting February 27 at Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook. Learn more and join as a participant or as a volunteer at jccchicago.org/asa

For more information call 847.412.4379 or email IPI@JCFS.org