YMCA helps families adopt healthy habits

RED BANK — The Community YMCA will host a free "America on the Move" kickoff celebration from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Family Health and Fitness Center on Maple Avenue in Red Bank.

The event will feature fitness demonstrations, health screenings, kids' activities, community walks, healthful snacks, giveaways and more.

Also, in the week before "America on the Move," Sept 15-18, The Community YMCA is inviting local area elementary schools (children ages 5-12) to participate in a walking contest to engage students in developing an appreciation for physical activity.

The four-day program will organize teams of 10 students from each participating school to count their steps using pedometers provided by the Y. The team with the greatest number of steps will be announced at America On the Move CommunityHealthDay and will be awarded a prize of $1,000 for their school. The second-place team will be awarded $500.

The Community YMCA will join more than 1,400 YMCAs nationwide in encouraging families to take "small steps" toward a healthy lifestyle during America On the Move Week.

This year, YMCAs are incorporating Healthy Family Home, a simple, flexible approach that helps families eat healthier, move more and build stronger family relationships with the YMCA activities.

The mission of Healthy Family Home is to inspire families to include healthy activities in their daily routines, starting by adding 2,000 more steps (the equivalent of about a mile) and eating 100 fewer calories a day.

America On the Move Week with the YMCA is a partnership between the YMCA and America On the Move, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving health and quality of life by promoting healthy eating and active living for youths, adults, seniors, families and the community. The event is sponsored locally by Whole Foods Market, Smoothie King, Wholesome Lunches and more.

For more information or to preregister, call the Welcome Center at 732-741-2504. Schools interested in participating in the walking contest, can contact Rosa Urena at 732-671-5505, ext. 23.