B.R. Ryall YMCA's Healthy Kids Day April 27 to help kids exercise minds and bodies
On Saturday, April 27, the B.R. Ryall YMCA of Northwestern DuPage County is celebrating YMCA's Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event that encourages kids to get moving and learning, and families living healthier. Healthy Kids Day, the Y's national initiative to improve families' health and well-being, takes place at 1,900 Ys and kick-starts healthier behaviors now and throughout the summer, a critical out-of-school time for children's health.
Many U.S. children do not get the daily recommended hours of physical activity and reading, and daily amounts of healthy foods. According to the latest findings of the YMCA's Family Health Snapshot – a survey of parents that gauges their children's activity levels during the school year – only 19 percent of children get 60 minutes of physical activity, only 17 percent read books for fun, and only 12 percent eat at least eight fruits and vegetables daily.
“At the B.R. Ryall YMCA, we know parents struggle to keep their kids physically and intellectually active every day. We want to help ensure fewer kids are at risk of childhood obesity and more kids excel in school,” said Lynda Chott, CEO, B.R. Ryall YMCA. “YMCA's Healthy Kids Day will get kids moving and learning while also helping families get a jump on creating a healthier summer, and ultimately a healthier future.”
Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. On April 27, YMCA's Healthy Kids Day will help parents begin thinking early about what their kids need to grow and achieve all summer long.
The B.R. Ryall YMCA's Healthy Kids Day takes place at the B.R. Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and features fun, active play and educational activities, such as a kids vs. parents obstacle course, Zumba for all ages, games, face painting and more. Join the Y April 26-28, 2013 and the Joiner Fee of $150.00 will be waived on Family Membership types only.
The B.R. Ryall YMCA is proud to host representatives from Whole Foods Market Wheaton, DuPage Children's Museum, Fermilab, Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Department, Willow Brook Wildlife Center/Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Glen Ellyn Library, Mathnasium, The Vitamin Shoppe, Glen Ellyn Pediatric Dentistry, Happy Family Organics and Skinny Sweet Frozen Yogurt.
YMCA's Healthy Kids Day is supported by national media partners Sprout and Lazy Town, who are committed to encouraging kids to lead a healthy lifestyle.
For more information, contact the B.R. Ryall YMCA at 630.858.0100 or visit www.brryallymca.org.
About the Y
The Y is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The B.R Ryall YMCA of Northwestern DuPage County strengthens the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. For more information visit www.brryallymca.org