Family Y to host 'Healthy Kids Day'
By Staff Reports
Published in News on May 20, 2017 10:09 PM
The Goldsboro YMCA is hosting a free event designed to encourage kids to stay active and keep learning during the summer months.
"Healthy Kids Day," part of the Y's national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families, will take place on Sunday, June 4, from 2-5 p.m.
The community is invited to the family-friendly event featuring such activities as swim lesson demonstrations, games, pool inflatables, arts and crafts, racquetball, facility tours and a preview of the summer camp.
Healthy Kids Day will be celebrated at more than 1,600 YMCAs across the nation, in an effort to instill habits that children and youth will continue all summer long.
"When a child is healthy, happy, motivated and excited something amazing is inevitably going to result," said Amanda Grantham, marketing and communications director at the Goldsboro Family Y.
Research shows that the summertime is when children fall behind academically as well as physically, even gaining weight twice as fast as during the school year.
But a child's development is never on vacation, says Felisha Widener, youth and family services director at the local Y.
"Healthy Kids Day is a great opportunity to educate families and motivate kids to stay active in spirit, mind and body," she said.
The women offered up several tips to help families develop healthier habits this time of year.
*"High five" the fruits and vegetables -- getting at least five servings a day to maintain healthy childhood development.
*Keep them reading. Early on read to the younger children, encouraging them to develop the habit once they are able to read on their own.
*Participate in athletic events like races, walks, fun runs and bike rides.
*Volunteer together, finding a cause that matters and supporting it as a family.
*Make sleep a priority, even during the summer months.
The Goldsboro Y is located at 1105 Parkway Drive.
For more information on this event, call 919-778-8557 or visit online, www.GoldsboroYMCA.org.