September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and the Tiftarea YMCA 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 almost 40% of children in Georgia have been affected by this epidemic, according to the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health. Georgia actually rates as the second highest rate of childhood obesity in the country.  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 Tiftarea YMCA offers programs such as Healthy Kids Day, nutrition classes, team sports, karate, swimming and tennis lessons, physical activities at child watch, and kids’ aerobics days at the mall. These programs have helped families by providing educational opportunities for families on ways to provide more nutritious meals, physical activities they can do at home together as a family, and opportunities to exercise together at the YMCA.  

 

 

“At the Tiftarea YMCA, 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 Jimmy Moore, CEO. “So we tailor our programs to meet the needs of families in the community to help make the healthier choice an easier choice.”

 

Take advantage of some of the current opportunities at your Y.  Kids will have a blast with tons of activities sure to get them moving at the Y’s Parent’s Night Out this Friday from 6-9pm at the First United Methodist Church Activity Center.  Stop by the Tifton Mall on Saturday September 17 & 24 from 1-3pm to join with the Y’s energetic wellness coaches for a demonstration of Kids’ Aerobics.  Families are invited to enjoy free health screenings, education, and more exercise demonstrations at the Leroy Rogers Center on Friday October 7 from 9-12am for a community health fair hosted by the City of Tifton, Tift Regional Medical Center, and the Tiftarea YMCA.

 

To learn more about the Tiftarea YMCA’s opportunities for your family, please contact the Y at (229) 391-9622.