Suffolk Family YMCA to take part in Healthy Kids Day

YMCA locations across South Hampton Roads are inviting kids and parents, members and non-members, to move, bounce and celebrate Healthy Kids Day on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event has been a staple for YMCAs across the nation for several years as a way to get children motivated to exercise, play and eat healthy.

Chuck Harris, chief executive officer of YMCA South Hampton Roads, said the organization realizes parents sometimes have a hard time integrating healthy eating habits and exercise into daily routines.

“Doing so doesn’t have to require extra money or resources,” he said in a press release.

“It’s as simple as making a play date with your kids, with two key requirements — be active and have fun.”

Those are just the ingredients Suffolk Family YMCA health and wellness director Amelia Chung is hoping to bring to its Healthy Kids celebration.

She said she wants everyone who comes out to gain as much knowledge as they can about having fun while living healthy.

“It’s a great way to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

On April 30, Suffolk Family YMCA will be bustling with activities and events that are free to the public, even citizens who aren’t “Y” members.

There will be minute-to-win-it challenges, bounce houses, Zumba on stage as well as the facility’s first-ever kids’ biathlon.

Chung said one of her favorite activities that will be at the event is the “Eat This, Eat That” challenge, which exposes the sometimes-surprising nutritional facts of seemingly healthy foods.

For example, you might think by ordering a salad when you go to a restaurant is the healthy decision, but in fact, sometimes those salads have just as much fat as a cheeseburger, Chung said.

There is no theme for the event, Chung said, other than making sure there’s nutritional chat and movement going on.

She said the event is a great way for families to spend time together without spending a ton of money.

The centers will be hosting an open house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the same day. The YMCA joining fee will be waived for all attendees who join the YMCA April 30.

For more information, visit ymcashr.org or call the YMCA of South Hampton Roads at 962-5555.