The Alternative Press

On October 20, 2012, the Sussex County YMCA will be celebrating the start of the second phase of the Horizon Healthy U Initiative. Healthy U provides an evidence-based program for the prevention of childhood obesity. This year we will integrate the program into our preschool curriculum, further our commitments in our afterschool programs, and in some school districts, pilot a school based program. The Healthy U program uses a CATCH curriculum to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and healthy family behaviors by providing a supportive learning environment. We will be on of 80 YMCA preschool sites / 368 Afterschool childcare sites / ten elementary schools who will be partnering with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ in implementing this proven method.

Obesity in America is at epidemic levels. In New Jersey 1 in 3 school age children are either overweight or obese. We have the highest incident of obesity in low-income children aged two to five years in the nation. These children risk developing serious health problems in adulthood, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and several types of cancer. Already we are seeing diabetes being diagnosed at younger ages. We at the South Mountain YMCA and the Horizon Foundation know we can make a positive impact on the youth and their families to help reverse this crisis.

This state wide kick-off will publically announce the new initiative and provide education and awareness about the program. We would like you to be part of our celebration scheduled:

October 20, 2012
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Sussex County YMCA
15 Wits End Road
Hardyston, NJ 07419
973-209-9622
http://www.sussexcounty.org

Our community celebration is free and open to the community. Children ages 5-13 are invited to the Healthy U celebration on October 20, 2012 at the Sussex County YMCA. Activities at the Y include CATCH (coordinated approach to a child’s health) games, healthy snacks, open swim, and music concert by Raymond Griffiths-Ayers. Raymond wrote a song called ‘Heart Smart’ for the Healthy U program and has performed the song at the Giant Stadium in 2009. YMCA children will be singing along to his song.