According to the YBCC, one out of every three school-age children in the state are at risk of serious health problems in life.
The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties (YBCC), with a location in Mt. Laurel, joined YMCAs throughout New Jersey in celebrating the annual Healthy U Fall kickoff in its youth programs last week.
According to the YBCC, in New Jersey, one out of every three school age children are either overweight or obese putting them at risk of developing serious health problems later in life.
To combat this growing problem in at-risk youth, the YBCC participates in the Healthy U program, the result of a collaboration between The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance.
YBCC officials say Healthy U’s goal is to promote healthy behavior and to prevent childhood obesity through more physical activity, family involvement and nutrition education. The purpose and goals of the Healthy U annual kickoff events are to:
· Demonstrate the positive, healthy impact of Healthy U
· Introduce new students and families to the many benefits of Healthy U
· Promote a three-pronged effort to combat childhood obesity through nutrition education, stepped up physical activity and family engagement
The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties local kickoff event featured children who participated in CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) activities that included hula-hoop and parachute games. During circle time, children discussed healthy food choices in “go, slow and whoa” categories, learned about the small steps that can be taken to improve healthy eating and made a “farm fresh” salad.
“Healthy U is changing lives for the better,” said Robert A. Marino, Horizon BCBSNJ Chairman & CEO and Horizon Foundation Chairman. “Thousands of children who take part in Healthy U each day are learning why proper nutrition and physical activity are so important. These children are leading healthier, more productive lives.”
Sue Cornell, Healthy U Director said celebrating Healthy U in coordination with the annual Lights On Afterschool event was important to raise the awareness of improving the health and well-being of children.
“Healthy U positively impacts over 90,000 children ages 3 to 13 at 480 YMCA and 90 elementary school sites statewide” Cornell said. “Healthy U is a unique asset to YMCA childcare education programming. All evidence indicates that well-nourished active children are more prepared to learn and thrive. We are thrilled to have The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey as a strong partner.”
Since Healthy U’s inception in 2008, YBCC said The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey has invested more than $4.7 million to sustain the program through 2019. For more information on this program contact Tasha Dougherty, YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties at tdougherty@philaymca.org, or Sue Cornell, Healthy U Director, NJ YMCA State Alliance at sue.cornell@ymca.net or visit www.njymca.org.
