YMCA, city, schools team up to host Healthy Kids Day

In the interest of full disclosure here, I'll start by noting that I am volunteering to help with publicity for this event. But it sounds like a lot of fun and something we'd be happy to write about even if I weren't involved.

And I know it's a little early but this will let you mark the date for one of the first big events for the new Northfield Area Family YMCA. The Y doesn't have a building yet, but its leaders are busy with new ideas.

The event – the first in Northfield – will combine the city’s annual bike safety rodeo with a host of other activities in and around the school. There will be a display of police, fire and ambulance vehicles as well as an emergency helicopter and visits by police dogs, coordinated by Northfield Police, Rice County’s Sheriff’s Department and Northfield Hospital Emergency Medical Services. Key local co-sponsors include the City of Northfield, Northfield Public Schools Community Services and the Healthy Community Initiative, along with dozens of organizations who will offer activities and displays.

Just Food Co-op has arranged for the Midwest Food Connection to give healthy food demonstrations, while ArtOrg and the Northfield Arts Guild will show kids how to have fun with art. Northfield Soccer Association will give soccer demonstrations, Allina Clinic will have experts available to answer questions on children’s health issues. In all, nearly three dozen businesses and organizations will be involved.

For 16 years the national YMCA has used Healthy Kids Day to encourage children and families to adopt behaviors that support a healthy lifestyle. YMCA Healthy Kids Day is part of YMCA Activate America, 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 overweight and obesity. In fact, the percentage of young people who are overweight has tripled over the last 25 years. In 2005, a panel of experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that school-age children should participating in moderate to vigorous activity for a minimum of 60 minutes a day.

Studies have shown that children who develop healthy exercise and eating habits while they are young are more likely to continue to lead healthy lifestyles through adulthood. “The need is as strong today as ever before,” says Skip Zimmerman, executive director of the Northfield YMCA. “Families are under increased stress and struggle to balance work, family and health to find supportive communities. More physical activity through play helps children better manage stress, succeed in school, reduce frustration, build energy and learn skills that encourage a lifetime of activity.” - Put Play in Your Day at YMCA Healthy Kids Day.

The new YMCA also will be holding registration for summer programs and sharing information about its plans in Northfield. Parents can get connected by participating in activities with their kids. A free YMCA giveaway for parents with tips on raising healthy, active kids will available. “For more than 150 years, YMCAs have developed initiatives and programs that have helped improve the physical, social, emotional and spiritual health of millions for Americans in diverse communities across the country,” said Zimmerman. “Participation in YMCA health and wellness programs such as Healthy Kids Day provides kids and families a chance to build friendship and community, a sense of well-being and confidence and improved physical, mental and cognitive abilities.”

YMCA Healthy Kids Day is supported by the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Public Health Association, American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors. National YMCA Healthy Kids Day is generously sponsored by companies dedicated to improving the health and wellness of American kids and families, including the Disney Channel, Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund, the Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Tropicana.

For more information about YMCA Healthy Kids Day, call the Northfield Area Family YMCA at 507-645-0088 or check out its website at www.northfieldymca.org.

About YMCA: The nation’s 2,617 YMCAs serve more than 20.2 million people each year, including 9.5 million children, uniting men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs are a place for people to belong, serving America’s communities for over 150 years by “building healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” Visit www.ymca.net to find your local YMCA.]