Kids’ health focus of Hastings Lake YMCA event
To kick-start physical activity and learning throughout the summer, the Hastings Lake YMCA in Lindenhurst is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event April 28.
The event, which will be from noon to 3 p.m. at the facility at 1995 Grass Lake Road, will feature activities such as an AQUATHON for students in first through sixth grades, a bounce house, arts and crafts, healthy snacks and a soccer/basketball skills contest for kids in preschool to first grade.
Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and grow, but for some kids, exposure to activities that stimulate the body and mind ends with the school year. Research shows kids are more prone to gain weight and fall behind academically during summer months.
“At Healthy Kids Day, we’re helping parents take on summer by taking steps to ensure that their kids stay physically and intellectually active,” said Rhonda Hoekenga, program director at the Hastings Lake YMCA.
“With summer just around the corner, there is no better time than now to begin developing a healthy routine that helps kids be healthier and sharper for when the next school year begins.”
A leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y hosts Healthy Kids Day to improve the health and well-being of kids.
As part of this initiative, the Y — along with hundreds of thousands of parents and kids nationwide — is taking on summer by addressing critical gaps in health and education that cause kids to be at increased risk for childhood obesity and suffer summer learning loss.
Contact Rhonda Hoekenga (847) 410-5327 or visit hastingslakeymca.org.