Building a Healthier Future for Oswegoland Children

According to the CDC, approximately 17% of all children and adolescents in the United States are obese.  Children who are obese are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are factors in cardiovascular disease.  Additionally, these children may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, asthma, and other preventable chronic diseases.

As a member of the nation’s largest provider of early childcare and after school programs, the Oswego Family YMCA wants to nurture the potential of all kids so that they can realize their full potential.  Locally, our commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility compels us to take a leading role in ensuring that all Oswegoland children have access and opportunities to realize a healthier lifestyle.

Recently, the YMCA of the USA joined first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Initiative to adopt new standards for healthy eating and physical activity in early childcare and afterschool programs.  Through these efforts and the Y’s commitment to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, we are confident in our ability to affect this growing crisis amongst our youth.

The Oswego Family YMCA is dedicated to reversing the trend of childhood obesity and chronic disease in our community.  By supporting the new healthy standards of the Let’s Move Initiative, we are reducing rising health care costs and more importantly, helping our children live longer and healthier lives.  We are committed to establishing a minimum of expected activity for children involved in our programs, providing daily outdoor time, designating fruits and veggies as our snacks and providing water or lowfat milk.  Additionally, we will assist parents at home, providing the educational resources they need for reduced screen time and enhanced family activity time.

The Oswego Family YMCA’s summer Camps Hudson and Y-Be Fit are focused on improving the health of all children and this focus will continue in the fall as the Y opens its new preschool academy.

To learn more about our programs visit http://www.oswegofamilyymca.org.  Together we can make a difference!

Brent Finley, Executive Director, Oswego Family YMCA