YMCA Urges Healthier Habits for Kids during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and the Northfield Area Family 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. 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 Northfield YMCA regularly offers programs for youngsters that promote healthy living, including programs starting the week of Sept. 19: flag football, Nut for Kickball, girls volleyball and Move and Groove. In addition, Wiggles & Giggles, an open-gym class for preschoolers, got under way this week.

Information about fall programs at the Northfield YMCA are listed in the Y’s Fall Program Brochure, which is available online at www.northfieldymca.org or can be picked up at:

* The Y’s office, on Highway 3, just south of the Quarterback Club;

* The Northfield National Guard Armory, 519 Division St. S.;

* The Y’s Health and Wellness Fitness Center, 900 Cannon Valley Drive, on the campus of the Northfield Retirement Center.

To register, complete a brochure registration form; visit www.northfieldymca.org and click the “Online Registration” button; stop by the Y’s office; or call the Y at 507-645-0088.

The Northfield YMCA welcomes all who wish to participate in its programs, meaning no one is turned away because of inability to pay.

Information: 507-645-0088 or www.northfieldymca.org.