The Reporter Online – Barbara Cronin
“Spring has finally arrived. The outdoors beg us to come and spend a little time exploring. Are your kids getting outside, being active or are they still inside watching TV, on cell phones, computers and video games? According to The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, the average child between 8 and 18, spends more than 7½ hours a day on electronics . This sedentary lifestyle for our kids is an unhealthy habit that leads to weight gain and lower academic achievement which can ultimately lead to chronic disease. In fact, research shows that kids gain two to three times more weight in the summer months than during the school year. Many children fall behind academically during the summer months too. Now is the perfect time to begin healthy habits that will carry over into the summer months to keep weight gain and academic loss at bay. One great place to start is at the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day. This free community event will be held at various locations in Chester County on Saturday, April 25. You can learn healthy snack options as well as fun ways to get your family active. The Lansdale and Indian Valley branches of the North Penn YMCA host free events April 25 and 26. Check www.northpennymca.org for details.”(more)