At the YMCA of Central Ohio, we know that when the
school ends, many kids lose exposure to the activities that keep them moving
and learning. The YMCA of Central Ohio is committed to ensuring that all kids
have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Getting kids to step away from the
computer, video games and mobile devices to engage in physical activity can be
a challenge – especially during the summer. Today, nearly one and three children is either
overweight or obese. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular
physical activity for children helps build healthy bones, muscles, controls
weight, reduces anxiety and stress, and helps increase self-esteem. In
some cases, regular activity may improve blood pressure and cholesterol
levels. Research further shows that
without access to activities that stimulate the mind and body, kids are more
prone to gain weight and fall behind academically over the summer months.
With
summer less than two months away, there is no time like the present to get
moving and engaged in physical activity.
To help parents begin thinking about what activities will motivate their
kids to become active, the Y is celebrating Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April
28, 2012. Healthy Kids Day, the largest
health day of its kind in the nation, is an initiative of the Y to improve the
well-being of kids. In celebration, more than 1900 Ys across the nation will be hosting free
community events filled with fun, active play and educational opportunities to
help parents plan activities for their children this summer.
As
our nation’s leading nonprofit, we are dedicated to youth development and to
addressing issues that impact our communities. The YMCA of Central Ohio is proud to
participate in the Y’s Healthy Kids Day and will feature a number of youth
inspired activities at various YMCA locations throughout the city. Some of the activities will run until May 4,
2012. For a complete listing of Healthy Kids Day activities, visit ymcacolumbus.org.
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