YMCA OF GREATER ERIE Log In Join Child Care Programs Reservations/Classes Virtual YMCA Support Jobs News & Events About USE THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR TO REFRESH YOUR HEALTHY HABITS AS A FAMILY JOIN TODAY! September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as children and families start their new school-year routines, it’s a perfect time to reflect and refresh your family’s healthy habits. As families settle into new school-year routines this month, The YMCA of Greater Erie is offering tips to help families in the Erie Community incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their lives. · Eat & Drink Healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options at every meal. As a family, choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together. Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in the car and backpacks. · Play Every Day/Go Outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and your bodies moving. · Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation, and clean-up. In addition, adults should take a break from electronics and spend one-to-one time each day with their kids, enjoying one another’s company. · Reduce Recreational Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone, or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home (i.e. turn off screens during meals, charge electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, go for a walk after a meal, set a timer to remind you to power down the screen). · Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule; unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure the body is preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night and seven to eight hours for adults. MEMBERSHIP Join a community that helps transform lives Become a Member » SCHEDULES Reach goals with our classes and programs View Schedules » CHILDCARE Count on us for safe, high quality education Enroll Your Child » OUR MISSION At the YMCA of Greater Erie, we put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA of Greater Erie is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. NEWSLETTER © 2021, YMCA of Greater Erie. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy