The Y Urges Healthier Habits for Kids during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

The Y Urges Healthier Habits for Kids during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Dayton, OH, 09/06/11 - September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and the YMCA of Greater Dayton is reminding parents about the importance of incorporating regular physical activity and healthier eating habits into their children’s lives.

Childhood obesity rates have soared over the last few decades. Nationally, one in three children is obese or overweight, while thirty-seven percent of children in the Miami Valley are overweight or obese (85% or greater for BMI).  Additionally, over 60 percent of parents of overweight and obese children do not perceive their children as having any weight problem. (Source: Dayton Children’s Hospital, June 2011). More alarming, obesity puts children at risk for chronic diseases often seen in adults, such as high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes. This health crisis sheds light on the need to provide children and their parents with the resources and the support they need, emphasizing that small steps can lead to big results to reverse the trend.

One key to fighting childhood obesity is prevention. Regular physical activity – 60 minutes a day for children – and nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower children’s chances of becoming obese or overweight and developing chronic diseases. It’s important to note that 60 minutes of physical activity can be achieved through a number of activities throughout the entire day – it doesn’t have to be done all at once. As a leading nonprofit strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y believes that getting kids more active and allowing them to play is an important factor in improving their health. 

The YMCA offers programs such as Move 2 Lose, Youth Sports, Aquatic and Gymnastics programs, childcare and after-school programs that are all aligned with Montgomery County’s 5-2-1-Almost None program which is designed to encourage lifelong healthy habits. The Y also offers kid fit, child-sized exercise equipment, at most branches and summer day camp programs with fitness and nutrition components.

“At the YMCA of Greater Dayton, we know that many families struggle to find the time and resources to eat healthier and set aside time for physical activity every day,” said Tim Helm, President/CEO. “So we tailor our programs to meet the needs of families in the community to help make the healthier choice an easier choice.”

To learn more about the programs the YMCA of Greater Dayton has to offer, please contact your nearest Y branch or call 937-223-5201. Contact information for each branch is available online at www.ymcaonline.org.