America's startling statistics!

• Inactivity and obesity can contribute to asthma, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Child obesity has increased by more than 50% in the last 30 years.
• 16% of youth ages 6-17 are overweight.
• The amount of daily vigorous physical activity decreases as the grade level increases.

One of the most important health issues in the country today is America's epidemic of obesity and inactivity.  As a part of the nation's largest network of charitable, not-for-profit organizations focused on improving lifestyle health, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads is uniquely positioned to help address this health crisis.

Getting active is easier said than done.  Many people are making an effort to move toward a healthier lifestyle.  Adults spend an estimated $30 billion per year on unsuccessful attempts to sustain a healthy lifestyle.  Having a YMCA to support, motivate and celebrate individual efforts improves the odds of maintaining healthy habits throughout life.

The YMCA Activate America initiative is a continuing effort to keep youth, teens and adults active and healthy. Taking part in the Activate America initiative, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads is leading the way in promoting healthier living in the Hampton Roads community. 

Helping youth and families develop healthy lifestyles with physically active programs is a major component of the initiative, and has lead to the creation of new YMCA programs and collaborations with community-based partners.

• YMCA and America On the Move join forces
  America On the Move Week is a national effort designed to motivate and inspire you to take “small steps” to promote active living and healthy eating. Click here for more information.
• The Standford Health and Lifestyle Assessment
  The Stanford Health and Lifestyle Assessment, or SHALA, is a tool for understanding your current health status. Becoming aware of your health can be one of the most important discoveries you will make. This awareness will help you identify your personal needs for optimal health and assist you in making choices on how to improve your overall health and well-being. Good health offers vitality and the opportunity to enjoy the special moments in life that you share with family and friends. Click here to take your free assessment now!
• CHKD's Healthy You partners with the YMCA
  A partnership with CHKD brought Healthy You to select YMCA of South Hampton Roads locations last November. The program, previously offered in CHKD facilities, educated and counseled participating families on the importance of adapting healthy lifestyle habits.
• S.P.A.R.K.
  Every YMCA of South Hampton Roads location offers a minimum of one group fitness program for youth per week and all licensed YMCA child care centers have incorporated S.P.A.R.K. - Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids, a twice weekly fitness curriculum, into their after-school programs.
• Interactive Zone
  New interactive fitness equipment makes it fun for video game buffs to get active while playing their favorite Xbox, Playstation and Gamecube games! Housed in the Interactive Zone, the equipment provides everyone an exhilarating workout, no matter what their age and physical abilities are.

For more information about Activate America visit: www.ymca.net/activateamerica