As summer nears, the Greenpoint YMCA has some advice for kids to stay active.
Last month, the organization hosted the 25th annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day, a national initiative to remind kids and parents about the importance of eating right and staying healthy.
“Healthy Kids Day is a powerful reminder not to let children idle away their summer days but instead, focus on physical and mental play,” said Kendall Charter, executive director of the Greenpoint YMCA.
At the event the Greenpoint Y provided the following tips for kids to develop healthy habits:
- High Five the Fruits and Veggie: Make sure kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend to maintain healthy childhood development. To keep kids’ taste buds evolving, have everyone in the family try at least one bite of a new fruit or vegetable at least once a month;
- Foster an Early and Ongoing Passion for Books: Read to and with your kids. Help children read at every age and every stage of their development;
- Team Up for Athletic Events: Set a family goal of great healthy by teaming up for community or charity events like races, walks, fun runs, bike rides, etc.;
- Volunteer Together: Find a cause that matters to the kids. Open their eyes to a world beyond themselves and the rich rewards that come with making a difference;
- Make Sleep a Priority: Doctors recommend 10 to 12 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 and 7 to 8 hours per night for adults. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory, learning and other vital functions.