Being healthy means lots of things – growing up strong and fit; making connections and developing positive relationships with others; learning to be responsible, self-reliant and able to make good decisions.

The habits children learn today will carry them into adulthood, so encourage your child to:

• Be physically active at least one hour a day.
• Spend less than two hours a day in front of the TV and computer.
• Drink at least two glasses of water a day instead of soda.
• Choose healthy snacks rather than junk food and sweets.
• Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Include at least three low-fat dairy foods in their diet each day.
• Eat smaller portions and make healthier fast-food choices.

Research has proven that exercise is more effective than diet in keeping a child’s weight in a healthy range, so ensure that being active is a routine part of your child’s life.

Although the YMCA makes it easy to keep kids active throughout the year, kids fitness takes center stage each spring when the YMCA hosts Healthy Kids Day, a day of free activities designed to teach youth and teens how fitness can be fun with interactive games, health screenings and more.

As part of the national YMCA Activate America initiative, this free public event promotes healthy lifestyles for youth, teens and families.

Bring the family and invite your friends to join us as we celebrate this national event at a location near you. Contact your local YMCA for details.