The North Harris County Family YMCA on FM 1960 and Ella Blvd. is encouraging kids and families to make physical activity a part of their daily routine in an effort to combat the growing childhood obesity epidemic. On YMCA Healthy Kids Day, kids and grown-ups will learn the importance of physical activity and active play through fun, engaging activities. The YMCA will also provide resources to help families get back to the basics of healthy living.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day is the nation’s largest health day for kids and families. North Harris County Family YMCA will provide resources to help educate grown-ups about making everyday healthy choices for their families. The event will be held on April 17, 10:00am – 2:00pm at 17125 Ella Blvd. and will feature activities such YMCA Program Events that build personal character and Christian values. In addition, the YMCA will showcase community services such as the Ponderosa Volunteer Fire Dept., Cypress Creek E.M.S., Texas Children’s, Northwest Medical Center and many, many more.

“The YMCA’s goal is to help kids find the joy in active play, and to help build a lifetime of love of being physically active,” said Don Alldredge, Center Executive Director of the North Harris County Family YMCA. Studies show that kids who consistently engage in play are happier and healthier, and develop and enhance a variety of skills including motor skills, social skills, problem solving, and creativity. Experts recommend that kids engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, which often results in higher self-esteem and better academic performance.

“We know there are barriers to play,” said Alldredge. “Some families do not have access to a safe park or playground, or physical education and recess may have been reduced in school. However, families can come to the North Harris County Family YMCA, where they will be safe and enjoy being active together and with other families.”

The North Harris County Family YMCA offers simple ways to help kids get more physical activity:

Make physical activity a regular part of family time – the more active kids are the more likely they are to continue being physically active later in life.
Allow kids to have unstructured playtime. All play is not created equal – kids need different types of play, including indoor and outdoor, active and inactive.
Reintroduce your kid to the basics of active play: play hopscotch or basketball, jump rope, or enjoy games such as “Red Light, Green Light” and “Simon Says”.
Play together as a family!

The North Harris County Family YMCA encourages families to take part in YMCA Healthy Kids Day to enjoy a day of active play and resources for healthier living. All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Don Alldredge at 281.444.3550 or dona@ymcahouston.org