YMCA offers summer session of CHANGE
By From staff reports
Published in News on May 29, 2016 1:45 AM
The Goldsboro YMCA is offering a summer session of its CHANGE for Children program, an acronym for Commitment to Healthy Attitudes in Nutrition, Growth and Education.
With childhood obesity rates more than doubling over the past 30 years, efforts to promote healthier lifestyles and eating habits have been found to be beneficial, organizers said. The YMCA's CHANGE for Children, in partnership with Goldsboro Pediatrics, addresses that.
The 12-week program starts June 1 at the Y, with children participating three times a week in activities that promote exercising and eating healthy.
The summer session meets Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Activities range from swimming, dodge ball and basketball, to off-campus fun nights of roller skating. It also incorporates family nights, for parents and siblings to join participants in the program.
In the nutritional component, professionals meet with parents and children to discuss the importance of healthy foods in the diet. Tips are given on preparing meals at home that are low in fat, cholesterol and sodium while children are taught about portion size and healthy snacks.
"CHANGE is a wonderful program for children who need help overcoming weight issues," says Ashley Charles, YMCA health and wellness programs coordinator. "We focus on physical activity, healthy eating and self-esteem as parts of a lifestyle change to be healthier. The kids have a great time and are making a huge difference in their own lives."
The overall objective of CHANGE is not necessarily to help enrolled children to lose weight, but rather to facilitate certain lifestyle changes in regard to exercise and nutrition that participants will be able to take with them throughout their lives.
Cost of the entire 12-week program, including all of the activities that are done, is $75. It is open to YMCA members and non-members. Visit the YMCA to sign up by May 30.
For more information, contact Ashley Charles at the Goldsboro Family YMCA at 919-778-8557.