The La Porte County Family YMCA believes that learning does not stop once children are outside the classroom. Healthy Kids Day is an annual event celebrated nationally by over 2,000 YMCAs to kick off a summer of education, exercise, and fun.
Usually every YMCA location hosts Healthy Kids Day on the same day, but this year La Porte decided to have it in conjunction with La Porte's Fitness Friday. After walking their weekly 5K, families could explore the booths and activity stations in the Y’s parking lot.
“We’ve been happy to have it tied into Fitness Friday to have kids come out,” said Mayor Blair Milo. “Any time we can have families come out together, children with their parents, that’s a great opportunity.”
Mayor Milo started Fitness Fridays to help her people stay active. Her commitment to a healthy neighborhood is no secret.
“I love to see people in the community out doing things like this,” said Marcia Johnson, a retired P.E. coach from La Porte High School. “Of course there are also health benefits; exercise will help the brain with Alzheimer's.”
Adler Schutt’s favorite part of Healthy Kids Day was the apple he got to snack on. He learned about the importance of brushing his teeth, eating right, and keeping active.
Dr. Gerard Roberts, M.D., believes it is time to involve children with their healthcare instead of putting all the responsibility on their parents. “I feel wholeheartedly that children need to be empowered by their healthcare,” he said. “With our current projects, we are not seeing a difference in the numbers [of obesity in LaPorte County children]. Why don’t we give children the choices, the information? If you’re genuinely invested in your health, you win.”
His app, U of Chew, teaches children how what they eat and how often they exercise affects every other aspect of their life. Other live games at Healthy Kids Day, like cornhole and soccer, showed kids how fun exercise can be. The booths gave them lessons, snacks, and puzzles.
The La Porte Fire Department brought their model fire trailer to remind the kids of the importance of fire alarms and escape plans. Elizabeth Downs, the Healthy Living Director for the La Porte YMCA, said their presence was very important to the Y and the message they were trying to send.
“They’re a part of making our community healthy and keeping our kids safe,” she said. “Everything is easier as a group. When we work together, more things get done. Gearing [Healthy Kids Day] toward the community is important.”
For more information on the events and programs offered by the La Porte County Family YMCA, click here.
