The Woodruff Family YMCA will hold a free community event to inspire more children to keep their minds and bodies active on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This year marks the 25th annual YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families. The day-long event features activities such as a magician, a bounce house, pit games, kids group exercise classes, and tips from a local chiropractic practice and orthodontist to motivate and teach families how to develop healthy routines at home.
YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at over 1,300 Ys across the country by over 1.2 million participants, works to get more kids moving and learning, creating habits that they continue all summer long, which is a critical time for kids’ health.
When children are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, children fall behind academically, according to YMCA officials.
Children also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year, studies show.
“The Y believes in the potential of all children, and we strive to help kids find the Wow! factor inside themselves. A child’s development is never on vacation and Healthy Kids Day is a great opportunity to educate families and motivate kids to stay active in spirit, mind and body throughout the summer,” said Christian Engle, Senior President & COO, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.
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 children 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.
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 children. Open their eyes to a world beyond themselves and the rich rewards that come from making a difference.
Make sleep a priority – Doctors recommend 10-12 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 and 7-8 hours per night for adults. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory, learning and other vital functions.
The Woodruff Family YMCA is located at 631 Orange Avenue in Milford.
For more information, contact the Woodruff Family YMCA at 203-878-6501 or visit cccymca.org.
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