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 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 overweight and developing chronic diseases. As a leading nonprofit strengthening community through healthy living, the Y believes getting kids more active and allowing them to play leads to a healthier lifestyle. We know many parents struggle to find the time and resources to incorporate physical activity and healthy habits into their kids' daily routine. So, we are holding YMCA's Healthy Kids Day to celebrate and teach good health for kids, encourage active play and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity.
On Saturday, the YMCA invites families throughout Fulton County to come to Healthy Kids Day for a play date. Healthy Kids Day is the Y's national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families and is the largest event of its kind in the nation. At nearly 1,600 events across the country, the Y will provide activities and educational demonstrations on how to be more active and incorporate healthier habits at home. Activities will include: water safety stations in the pool area for children and families; a judo program; a karate program; face painting; crafts; storytelling; Nathan Littauer Hospital & HealthLink information on free and affordable health care options and other health topics for children and families; height, weight and BMI for kids; a bounce obstacle course and bouncy bounce for little kids; a basketball shootout; a floor hockey shootout, a Goofy Golf shootout; a Fun Run from 12:30 to 1 p.m. for children ages 3 and older; giveaways, healthy snacks, a scavenger hunt, a Fulton County Sheriff's K-9 unit; and a Camp and School Age Child Care open house.
We know it's not always easy to make healthy choices, and that's why Healthy Kids Day is so important. At our event, families will learn that it doesn't take extra money or resources to live healthier. All it takes is planning, commitment and spending time together.
We encourage the community to join us for Healthy Kids Day.
STEVE SERGE
Fulton County YMCA CEO