By Donna Dass
The Y Encourages Families to Play Their Way to Health
By Somerset Valley YMCA CEO, Paul Kieltyka
The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with 1 out of 3 kids now considered to be overweight or obese. Many kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer, or video-game console. This means that our kids are at risk for developing chronic adult diseases, such as high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes.
Lifestyles that include regular physical activity and healthy eating can lower kids’ chances of becoming obese or overweight and developing chronic diseases. As a leading nonprofit strengthening community through healthy living, the Y believes that getting kids more active and allowing them to play leads to a healthier lifestyle. We know that many parents struggle to find the time and resources to incorporate physical activity and healthy habits into their kids’ daily routine. So, we are holding YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day™ to celebrate and teach good health for kids, encourage active play and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity.
On April 16, the Somerset Valley YMCA invites families to come to Healthy Kids Day for a play date. Each of the Somerset Valley YMCA’s three branches located in Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville will host Healthy Kids Day from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Healthy Kids Day is the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families and is the largest event of its kind in the nation. At nearly 1,600 events across the country, the Y will provide activities and educational demonstrations on how to be more active and incorporate healthier habits at home. Activities will include free swim, healthy snacks, arts and crafts, obstacle course, family games and more.
We know it’s not always easy to make healthy choices, and that’s why Healthy Kids Day is so important. At our event families will learn that it doesn’t take extra money or resources to live healthier. All it takes is planning, commitment and spending time together.
We encourage the community to join us for Healthy Kids Day. By helping families get on track to healthier living, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of kids, one play date at a time.

