Valley YMCA in Ansonia to mark Healthy Kids Day

Nationwide initiative aims to improve families' health 

On April 27, the 11 Central Connecticut Coast YMCA branches are celebrating YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day^® with free community events that encourage kids to get moving and learning, and families living healthier. 

The Valley YMCA is at 12 State St., Ansonia.

Healthy Kids Day, the YMCA's national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, takes place at 1,900 Ys and kick-starts healthier behaviors now and throughout the summer, a critical out-of-school time for children’s health.

Many U.S. children do not get the daily recommended hours of physical activity and reading, and daily amounts of healthy foods.

According to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot – a survey of parents that gauges their children’s activity levels during the school year – only 19 percent of children get 60 minutes of physical activity, only 17 percent read books for fun, and only 12 percent eat at least eight fruits and vegetables daily.

“At the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, we know parents struggle to keep their kids physically and intellectually active every day. We want to help ensure fewer kids are at risk of childhood obesity and more kids excel in school,” said Christian Engle, Senior Vice President & COO, Central Connecticut Coast Y. 

“YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will get kids moving and learning while also helping families get a jump on creating a healthier summer, and ultimately a healthier future.”

Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year.

On April 27, YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will help parents begin thinking early about what their kids need to grow and achieve all summer long.

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day events feature fun, active play and educational activities.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is supported by national media partners Sprout and Lazy Town, who are committed to encouraging kids to lead a healthy lifestyle. 

For information, contact the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, 203-777-9622 or visit cccymca.org.

The Central Connecticut Coast Y is based in downtown New Haven with 11 Y branches in Greater New Haven and Greater Bridgeport. It also operates YMCA Camp Hi-Rock, a 1,000-acre residential and day camp in Mt. Washington, Mass. 

This information is taken from a press release from Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.