YMCA Healthy Kids Day

Following a stressful year for adults and kids alike, The Gateway Family YMCA is hosting their annual Healthy Kids Day® on April 2nd, encouraging families to take a moment to help kids be kids. While the event will be hosted virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns, the Y aims to provide a carefree day for children, celebrating what makes a kid, a healthy kid. The online event will feature activities such as a Get Fit Kids Virtual Playstreet and Family Cycling Savvy class to motivate and teach families how to develop and maintain healthy routines at home.

“As adults, we know that 2020 was difficult on so many levels—it’s important to remind ourselves that as much as we try to protect our kids from worry, they faced many of those same difficulties. As communities continue to respond to the pandemic, the Y is here for families, helping kids recover both physically and mentally from a stress-filled year,” Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA.

Healthy Kids Day, now in its 29th year, is the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families. The Y hopes to use the day to get more kids moving and learning, creating healthy habits they continue while they’re away from the classroom. When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows that without access to out-of-school learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. Following a year filled with numerous changes and uncertainty, Healthy Kids Day is a reminder to families that we can help ensure all children have access to the key ingredients to reach their full potential, even during out-of-school time.

“We believe in the potential of all children, and we strive to help kids find that potential within themselves. When a child is healthy, happy and supported, they can make great things happen,” stated Melynda A. Mileski, EVP, Chief Operating Officer.

Recipe for a Healthy Kid

In celebration of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y is focusing on five “ingredients” that make a healthy child:

• Physical Activity – From increased screen time to virtual school, studies show that children moved less in 2020 than usual. Help kids get back into physical activity routines by setting at least 60 minutes for fun games and play every day.

• Curiosity – Children who are read to by a family member are at least three times per week are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25 percent in reading compared to their peers. Encourage children to access new wonders with their own library card. Many libraries now offer curbside pick-up too!

• Laughter and Fun – It’s important to let kids be kids! Parents should make sure they are joining in the fun with their kids. Close the laptop, turn off the phone and have uninterrupted play time. These opportunities allow adults to model a love for activity while providing invaluable family bonding time

The Gateway Family YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day takes place online April 2nd at 3:00pm, with free registration available at www.tgfymca.org/events

For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA, visit www.tgfymca.org or contact 908-355-9622.