Healthy guidelines urged for non-school programs

CHICAGO — Guidelines have just been issued for nutrition and physical activity in camps and after-school programs.

The recommendations come from a coalition of groups including the Chicago-based national YMCA.

The guidelines issued Tuesday recommend a common sense-approach including serving fruits and vegetables instead of more sugary, fatty treats; and offering water rather than juices or soda. Half-day programs should offer at least half an hour of physical activity; full-day programs should offer at least an hour.

Barbara Roth is national director of youth and family programs at Y-USA and was involved in developing the guidelines.

She says it's important for kids involved in these programs to learn healthy habits for a lifetime.