On April 26, the YMCA of the Coosa Valley is holding a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, features games, poolside fun, arts and crafts and more to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home.
Gov. Robert Bentley presented a Proclamation declaring April as Healthy Kids Month in the State of Alabama. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at nearly 1,600 Ys across the country, aims to get more kids moving and learning, so they can keep up the habit all summer long – a critical out-of-school time for kids’ health. Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year.
“One in three U.S. children is obese. This statistic, coupled with the fact that once summer hits, children will be more idle, demonstrates why it’s important to help families develop healthy habits now,” said Mindy Rains, Fitness Coordinator YMCA of the Coosa Valley. “As part of the Y’s commitment to healthy living, through YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day our goal is to improve the health and well-being of kids and inspire habits they can continue into adulthood.”
In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits:
• High Five the Fruits and Veggies – Make sure kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend to maintain healthy childhood development.
• Foster an Early and Ongoing Passion for Books – Read to and with your kids. Help children read at every age and every stage of their development.
• Team Up for Athletic Events – Set a family goal of great health by teaming up for community or charity events like races, walks, fun runs. Bike rides, etc.
• Volunteer Together – Find a cause that matters to the kids. Open their eyes to a world beyond themselves and the rich rewards that come from making a difference.
• Lead By Example – Be a good role model – kids can be influenced by seeing how hard their parents work at home or on the job, and how rewarding that experience is.
The YMCA of the Coosa Valley’s Healthy Kids Day takes place at the Y at 100 Walnut Street in Downtown Gadsden from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and features fun, active play and educational activities, such as Zumba, Climbing Wall, Face-Painting, healthy snacks, ACE Gymnastics clinic, Kids Yoga, Free Swim, Arts and Crafts and more.
YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is supported by Riverview Regional Medical Center, Buffalo Rock, Chick-fil-A, Gadsden Outfitters, and Brute Fitness also supported by national media partners Sprout and Lazy Town, who are committed to encouraging kids to lead a healthy lifestyle.
For more information, contact YMCA of the Coosa Valley at 100 Walnut St. or find us on facebook.