Community YMCA sponsors walking challenge

RED BANK – – The Community YMCA invites area residents of all ages to help YMCAs across the country reach a national goal of walking 10 billion steps during America on the Move Week, Sept. 22-29.

To encourage children and families to participate in this national wellness initiative, the Community YMCA is hosting a fun-filled community health day Sunday, Sept. 23, noon-4 p.m. at the Y’s Family Health and Fitness Center, 166 Maple Ave., Red Bank.

The Community YMCA and local partners will be hosting a community health walk, health and fitness demonstrations for kids, teens and adults, nutritional counseling information, healthy food and snacks, and more.

Music will be provided by local musicians, Chuck Lambert and Rick Dill.

America on the Move Week is designed to motivate people to take small steps toward a healthy lifestyle by incorporating physical activity into everyday routines.

The Community YMCA is committed to helping families and local residents get moving and become fit. According to a recent report released by Meridian Health System, 36 percent of adults in the Y’s market area are overweight and 25.9 percent are obese. This trend is also having a dramatic effect on children, with 12.1 percent of those ages 6-17 overweight and fewer than four in 10 participating in regular physical activity.

America on the Move is part of Activate America, a national YMCA health and wellness initiative. The goal of Activate America is to help Americans live longer, better and healthier lives by focusing on community-based solutions to combat obesity and chronic disease.

For more information on America on the Move or to register, call (732) 741-2504 or visit www.TheCommunityYMCA.org.