Healthy Kids Day and Eggstravaganza set April 9 at YMCA

Healthy Kids Day and Eggstravaganza set April 9 at YMCA
Huber Heights Courier
April 8, 2011

The Huber Heights YMCA will join will join more than 1,500 YMCA's nationwide in the 20th annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day. At the YMCA we are committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. In partnership with Sulphur Grove United Methodist Church, we are pleased to announce our Sixth Annual Healthy Kids Day/Easter Eggstravaganza event on Saturday April 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This is an opportunity for families to put "Play in Their Day." This event is FREE to the community. This special event uses free, fun, engaging and creative activities to encourage children and families to adopt behaviors that support a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Kids Day is a national initiative designed to help children and adults discover and sustain healthier ways to live.

Unhealthy eating and physical inactivity are associated with an increased risk of a number of chronic health conditions including being overweight and obesity. In fact, the percentage of young people who are overweight has tripled over the past 26 years.

In 2010, a panel of experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that school-age children should be participating in moderate to vigorous activity for a minimum of 60 minutes per day. Studies have shown that children who develop healthy exercise and eating habits while they are young are more likely to continue to live healthy lifestyles through adulthood.

"Physical activity through play helps children better manage stress, succeed in school, reduce frustration, build energy, but most of all will encourage a healthy lifestyle as adults," said Cindy Edwards, Senior Membership Director of the Huber Heights YMCA.

At this years event, children and families will progress through the YMCA on our "Healthy Pathway," earning prizes and Easter eggs. At the end of your healthy journey an obstacle course awaits you. All children will receive prizes and eggs for their efforts. There will also be a special prize for the first 500 kids to make their way through the entire journey.

"We will also have registrations for summer programs, day camp, childcare and incentives for new members to get started at the YMCA," said Edwards.

There will also be appearances from the Huber Heights Police and Fire Department, Sinclair Community College, Sulphur Grove United Methodist Church, Osborne Books (Lee Ann Caraway), Girl Scouts, Juice Plus (Linda Combe), Huber Heights Literacy program (Kathy Demers), Texas Road House, Chick-Fil-A, Busy Bounce and many other guest appearances. Please come join the fun and enjoy the Healthy Pathways and Easter Egg Hunt with Sulphur Grove Church.

For more information please call the Huber Heights YMCA at 937-236-9622 or cedwards@daytonymca.org.