Huntington YMCA Launches New Program to Offset Rate of Childhood Obesity

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (February 12, 2016) – The Huntington YMCA has launched Healthy Weight and Your Child this month, a pilot program designed to empower children between the ages of 7 to 13 years old, to reach a healthy weight and live a healthier lifestyle. The program is designed to engage the whole family, so together they can understand how the home environment and other factors influence the choices to lead to a healthy weight. Additionally, the program combines three elements of healthy eating, regular physical activity and behavior change.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity now affects 17 percent of all children and adolescents in the United States - triple the rate from just one generation ago. Today, one in six children are obese and one in three are overweight, which poses greater risks for a number of health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and mental health issues.

“Healthy Weight and Your Child will help improve the health and well-being of the children in our community,” said Anne Brigis, President and CEO of the YMCA of Long Island. “Families will benefit from the feeling of empowerment supporting each other to make healthier choices.”

Made up of groups of eight to 15 children and their parents/caregivers, the program creates a safe, fun, and active environment for children and their families to explore and adopt proven methods to living a healthier lifestyle. Most sessions are two hours in length, with the first hour delivered in a classroom setting and the second hour focusing on physical activity.

Children eligible for the program must be between the ages of 7 and 13 years old, have a body mass index greater than or equal to the 95th percentile, receive written approval from their doctor or health care provider, and be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at every session.

Currently the program is being offered at the Huntington YMCA Wednesday 5:30-7:30pm and in South Huntington’s School District Monday 5:30-7:30pm in hopes of making the program as convenient and accessible as possible.

For more information contact Christina Butcher at Christina.Butcher@ymcali.com or 631-421-4242 *182.

About the Y

The YMCA is a leader in providing programs that strengthen the mind, body and spirit connection. Long Islanders of all ages and fitness levels learn to live their healthiest lives inside the YMCA’s state-of-the-art facilities in Brookhaven, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Bay Shore, Huntington and Patchogue. The YMCA of Long Island is a cause-driven nonprofit organization that works to strengthen communities through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For information and locations, visit www.ymcali.org, or call 855-296-2254. ###