FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sid
Gillispie
Executive Director
636-4515
The
Elkins/Randolph County YMCA reminds parents to find balance between academic
and recreational activities for children afterschool
[ELKINS, WV August 2006] — As
children across Randolph County head back to school—to sitting at their desks
for six or more hours a day—it is critically important that parents find
additional ways for their children to stay active before, during and after
school. Experts agree that school-age children need to be moderately
to vigorously active for a minimum of 60 minutes a day. The alarming rise in childhood
obesity and the reduction in physical education at many schools, make it
increasingly important for parents to strike a balance between academic
enrichment and playful, recreational activities.
With nearly 60 million adults and 9 million children obese
or overweight, increasing levels of physical fitness for children and families
has become more and more important. Study after study shows that today’s
children may not be getting the required amount of exercise for weight
management and good health. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the current
generation of American children could be the first to lead shorter lives than
their parents. And, data from the recently published 1999-2002 National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows 16 percent of youth ages 6-19 are
overweight. That is triple the rate of 1980.
“Like adults, children need physical activity to help manage
stress, reduce frustration, create energy and ensure they do not become one of
the rising number of inactive, out of shape and overweight kids,” said Sid Gillispie, executive director of the
YMCA. “A healthy snack,
physically fit body, positive self-esteem and feelings of personal security can
have a hugely positive effect on learning.”
“The
national YMCA has launched a public health initiative called Activate America
to help make healthier living a reality for millions of Americans and our after
school program incorporates activities from this initiative to ensure that our
“Y” kids get daily physical activity”, said program coordinator Melinda
Hamrick. “In addition to offering assistance with homework, a healthy snack and
weekly art classes with instructors from the Randolph County Community Arts
Center, our after school program will include daily physical activity like
swimming lessons, gym sports, and dance aerobics.”
The YMCA’s after school program is for children in K through
grade 7 and will operate Monday through Fridays throughout the school year from
3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Full day camps will also be offered on school closings and
holidays. Pre-registration is required.
To find out more about the YMCA’s after school program visit www.elkinsymca.org
or call the YMCA at 636-4515.
The Elkins/Randolph County YMCA was established in 1908. The
YMCA is dedicated to improving the lives of men, women, and children in the
region through quality programs, classes, and activities.
Financial assistance is available for children and people
with disabilities based on household income and family size as well as for
adults and seniors with demonstrated special needs.