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The Riverbrook Regional YMCA is one of 19 Ys in the U.S. to offer the program.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity now affects 17 percent of all children and adolescents in the United States - triple the rate from just one generation ago. Today, 1 in 6 children are living with obesity and 1 in 3 are overweight, which poses greater risks for a number of health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and mental health issues.
“The Riverbrook Regional YMCA has a long history of advancing the health and well-being of children and families in Wilton, Redding and Norwalk, and helping children reach a healthy weight is important now more than ever,” said Bob McDowell, CEO, Riverbrook Regional YMCA. “Healthy Weight and Your Child emphasizes behavior changes to support healthy eating and physical activity.”
Through the leadership of Y staff, the yearlong evidence-based program engages a child and adult as a pair, so together they can understand how the home environment and other factors influence the choices that lead to a healthy weight.
Made up of groups of 10 to 15 families (child and adult), the program creates a safe, fun and active environment for children and families to explore and adopt proven methods to living a healthier lifestyle.
To participate in the program, each child must be between the ages of 7 and 13, have a body mass index greater than or equal to the 95th percentile, be cleared by a health care provider and accompanied by an adult at every session.
For more information regarding the program and/or to register, please contact Mary Ann Genuario, Director of Health & Fitness, Riverbrook Regional YMCA magenuario@riverbrookymca.org, 203-762-8384 ext. 282.
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