Families get Playful at the Northern York County Family YMCA
Playing and having fun was the word of the day as more than 300 children and their families participated in the 17th annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 12th.

The Northern York County Family YMCA and 16 other YMCAs throughout Maine joined with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in offering kids and families an opportunity to “Put Play in Their Day”.

This special event provided free, fun, engaging and creative activities 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. More than 1,500 YMCAs nationwide participated in this event.

“Our family had a ton of fun trying new ideas on how to get more active,” said Angie Levesque, a mother of 2 children from Arundel. “Our every day schedule can be very challenging to plan fun and healthy activities. It was nice to spend time today just having fun as a family and picking up some healthy tips.”

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. 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.

Activities enjoyed by participants included a Wii Interactive video game station, Climbing wall, Fly fishing demonstration, Bike safety station, Tae Kwon Do class and free swim time, crafts and healthy snacks. Each family also received a free Healthy Home starter kit with tips to be more active at home and a goodie bag with prizes.

“The YMCA is dedicated to offering members of our community initiatives that help improve their overall physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being,” said Becky Harkema, Executive Director, Northern York County Family YMCA. “Providing health and wellness programs such as Healthy Kids Day for kids and families are at the core of our mission to help build community, a sense of well-being and confidence and improved physical, mental and cognitive abilities.”

YMCA Healthy Kids Day is supported in Maine by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Olympia Sports and nationally 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.