Make a Play Date at the Y: Healthy Kids Day is this Saturday, April 16!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity affects approximately 12.5 million children and teens.

Since the 1960s, obesity prevalence among children and teens has tripled, from 5 percent to nearly 15 percent. This means that our kids are at risk for developing chronic adult diseases such as high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyles that include regular physical activity and healthy eating can lower kids’ chances of becoming obese or overweight and developing chronic diseases. As a leading nonprofit strengthening community through healthy living, the Y believes that getting kids more active and allowing them to play leads to a healthier lifestyle.

We know that many parents struggle to find the time and resources to incorporate physical activity and healthy habits into their kids’ daily routine.

On April 16th, the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA will be holding YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day™ to help families address barriers to living healthier and being more physically active every day.

The Y is the leading nonprofit strengthening community through healthy living, and Healthy Kids Day is our national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. It is the largest event of its kind in the nation, taking place at 1,600 Ys across the country, and will directly benefit the kids and families on the North Shore.

Last year, over 200 families attended. Join in the fun and help us make this year even more successful. This free event is open to everyone in the community!
 
2011 Healthy Kids day features:
    - Radio Disney, sponsored by FlatOut Flatbread, will join us to celebrate, with music, games, and prizes!
    - A scavenger hunt throughout the Y with prizes!
    - Free chiropractic screenings by Full Potential Chiropractic
    - A Safe Kids Program sponsored by New York Life
    - Bobbie Bush Photography
    - Boston Ballet
    - FlatOut Flatbread, Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Stonyfield Yogurt & Juice Plus will have free samples for all

Here Are Some Tips from Your Y for Families to Make a Play Date
Including more physical activity into your family’s day doesn’t have to require money or resources. It’s as simple as making a play date, with two key requirements – be active and have fun! Here are five things families can do to incorporate more active play in their day:

1. Schedule a Game Night: Play games with the kids that incorporate physical activity, such as Charades.
2. Dance, Dance: Turn on your favorite party music and dance! Make this activity more fun with a dance contest.
3. Go Riding: Find a new bike path or park for a fun afternoon outdoors; grab your helmets and go rollerblading or bike riding.   
4. Channel Your Inner Youth: Remember playing hopscotch, jump rope, Simon Says or freeze tag as a kid? Teach your favorite childhood game to your kid(s) and play them together.
5. Play Outside: Visit your neighborhood park or camp out in your backyard for some outdoor fun. Get everyone moving with fun sports like soccer, basketball or baseball.

Contact Marianne Baker at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA for more information: 781-990-7007 or bakerm@northshoreymca.org.