Youths' health focus of events

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - On April 14, YMCAs across the country will celebrate Healthy Kids Day. This is a day dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle starting with the organization's youngest members.

The YMCA of Western Monmouth County, East Freehold Road, is taking the program a step further by starting its activities on April 11 and continuing through April 30 in the new child-care enrichment center.

During that period the YMCA will be having guests from the Freehold Township Police Department and the Freehold Fire Department visit and teach children about safety and how to deal with emergency situations, as well as Dr. Stern stressing dental health.

In addition to a Water Fun Day on April 16, Y fitness instructors Ginny and Regina will lead the children in aerobics classes on April 23 and April 26 in the new studios in the fitness center.

The classroom curriculum during the month will be devoted to teaching children about healthy foods and how vegetables are just as much fun to eat as candy.

"With childhood obesity becoming a major health concern in this country, we at the YMCA feel it is our obligation to practice what we preach by promoting healthy spirit, mind and body beginning with our youngest program members. If we can influence children at an early age about healthy eating and living, we may be able to help stop this epidemic," said Cynthia Joy, president and CEO.

Parents of children enrolled in the childcare enrichment center have been invited to participate in the Healthy Kids Month activities.