More than 600 children and their parents will gain skills to help improve their health behaviors, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Obici Healthcare Foundation.

The funds will be used to implement Healthy Lifestyles, an ambitious two-year program aimed at combating obesity and associated diseases for Suffolk youth and their families.

Sentara Obici Hospital and local partners will work with the YMCA to provide at-risk youth, ages 5-15, with fitness activities, monitoring and assessments along with nutrition training.

“Evidence on obesity programs for children stresses the critical importance of parental involvement to the overall success of the programs. Therefore, parents of participating youth will be included,” noted Denise Blakney, Senior Program Officer of the Obici Healthcare Foundation.

At the project’s end, both children and parents – who will continue to be monitored by the YMCA – will not only have stronger, healthier bodies they will have altered habits and new mindsets conducive to preventing disease and sustaining good health.

“Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes are our nation’s leading killers, affecting 90 million Americans, young and old,” said Barbara Moore, Project Manager. “Increased physical activity and healthy eating is the key to preventing and controling these conditions.”

For more information about Healthy Lifestyles and Youth Fitness, contact Barbara Moore at 934-9622.