Inspiring Kids to Lead Active Lifestyles
Apr 18, 2018
Healthy Kids Day
Saturday, April 28, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
The Y wants to ensure all kids in Newton and the surrounding communities thrive through healthy eating habits and physical activity. Because when a child is happy, healthy, motivated and excited, something amazing will inevitably result. As children grow and reach their true potential, they can accomplish great things.
That’s why, on April 28 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., we’re hosting Healthy Kids Day®, a chance to help ensure families have the tools they need to help kids stay active and engaged. The annual event is a nationwide-initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. Here at the West Suburban YMCA, families and children will participate in family exercise classes like Zumba and yoga, race an obstacle course, get their faces painted, meet exciting animals with Curious Creatures staff, decorate their bike for a bike parade around the track and more. The Y will also be giving away tee-shirts and bike helmets while supplies last.
“As the school year winds down, the Y wants to help awaken kids’ imaginations and help them live up to their full potential. There are no days off for a child’s developing mind and body,” said Jack Fucci, President and CEO, “and Healthy Kids Day is a great opportunity to educate families and engage kids to stay physically and intellectually active.”
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. And to keep kids’ taste buds evolving, have everyone in the family try at least one bite of a new fruit or vegetable at least once a month.
- Read Together – Reading together as a family has many benefits—and 15 to 30 minutes a day goes a long way! Take trips to the local library or create a family reading routine like “breakfast and books” on weekend mornings. Encourage youth to create their own stories as well!
- Get Moving! – Activities that require movement also help kids flex their mental muscle. Use materials in unique ways: ask kids to act out a scene with unusual props, build models, manipulate tools or develop their own theatrical scenes.
- Play Together – Play is one of the best ways to prevent childhood obesity. Create a family obstacle course or relay race, dance to your favorite music, or play catch with a ball or frisbee. By putting more play into your family’s day, you will soon find your family feeling energized and strong.
- Make sleep a priority – Doctors recommend 10-12 hours of sleep per night for children ages 5-12 and 7-8 hours per night for adults. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory, learning and other vital functions.
Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Belmont Savings Bank Foundation, Farina’s of Watertown and the Newton Elks.