Healthy Kids Day is April 21
Summer is a time when children can let their imaginations run wild! From creating their own to plays to building forts in the backyard, there’s no limit to what kids can dream up—provided they’re properly supported.
The Y wants to ensure all kids in our community awaken their summer imaginations through healthy eating habits and physical activity. Because when a child is happy, healthy, motivated and excited, something amazing is inevitably going to result. When children have the opportunity to grow and reach their true potential, they can accomplish great things.
That’s why, on Saturday, April 21, all Greater Joliet Area YMCA locations are hosting Healthy Kids Day events to ensure families have the tools they need to help kids stay active and engaged all summer long. Attend one of our Healthy Kids Day celebrations to learn about summer program options, participate in activities and take home exciting giveaways.
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C.W. Avery Family YMCA
9 a.m.-Noon
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Galowich Family YMCA
10 a.m.-Noon
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Morris Community YMCA
10:30 a.m.-Noon
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Smith Family YMCA
1-3 p.m.
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In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits:
- High Five the Fruits and Veggies – Make sure kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend to maintain healthy childhood development. And to keep kids’ taste buds evolving, have everyone in the family try at least one bite of a new fruit or vegetable at least once a month.
- Read Together – The summer is a great time to enjoy books, and 30 minutes a day goes a long way! Take trips to the local library or create a family reading challenge to see who can log the most minutes of reading. Encourage youth to create their own stories as well.
- Get Moving! – Activities that require movement also help kids flex their mental muscle. Use materials in unique ways: ask youth to build models, manipulate tools or develop their own theatrical scenes.
- Play Together – Play may be the best way to prevent childhood obesity. By putting more play into your family’s day, you will soon find yourself getting the activity that will have your family feeling energized and strong.
- Make sleep a priority – Doctors recommend 10-12 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 and 7-8 hours per night for adults. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory, learning and other vital functions.