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Tips On How To Get Your Family Healthier And More Connected

Rising rates of obesity and related chronic disease tell us that getting kids active should be a top priority for parents, schools, and all Canadians. On Sunday April 28th, YMCAs across Canada are celebrating Healthy Kids Day. It’s a national day dedicated to improving the health and well-being of kids.

Here are some tips on how you can help your family become more active, eat nutritiously, and build stronger bonds:

Increase physical activity:

  • Aim for 60 minutes of moderate, fun, physical activity every day (it can be spread out into periods of 10-15 minutes each). Make sure to include outdoor activities whenever possible.
  • Participate with your kids in regular physical activities. When you’re active with your kids, it sends them an important message about healthy living!

Eat nutritious foods:

  • Serve fruits and vegetables at every snack and meal.
  • Eat at least one meal per day together, as a family.
  • Involve kids in healthy snack and meal preparation as much as possible.
  • Make water the primary drink option.

Reduce screen time:

  • Limit screen time to less than two hours per day (television, video games, computer) and encourage outdoor play as much as possible.
  • Mealtime is a great opportunity to connect with each other. Aim to have televisions, computers and mobile devices off during meals.
  • Remove TVs and computers from your child’s bedroom.

Be a good role model:

  • Live an active life! Choose to walk to school, the local store or go for a run with the kids!
  • Have an open conversation with your kids about what physical activities they like to do.
  • Set aside designated family play time on the weekend.

Join the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka on Sunday, April 28th for Healthy Kids Day! A free, fun filled day of interactive games and activities that will get you moving together as a family! We can’t wait to celebrate the joys of healthy living with you.

Free YMCA community activities include: 

Orillia YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-4:00pm
11:30am-1:00pm: Open Gym
12:00pm-12:30pm: Open Swim
2:30pm-3:30pm: Trail Mix Station
2:30pm-3:30pm: Family Obstacle Course

Barrie YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-5:00pm
11:15am-1:00pm: Open Gym
12:30pm-2:00pm: Open Swim
2:30pm-3:30pm: Trail Mix Station
2:30pm-3:30pm: Family Obstacle Course

Innisfil YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-4:00pm
12:15pm-2:30pm: Open Gym
12:15pm-2:30pm: Open Swim
12:15pm-2:30pm: Trail Mix Station
12:15pm-2:30pm: Family Obstacle Course

Collingwood YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-5:00pm
9:00am-12:00pm: Giant Blocks
1:45pm-4:45pm: Open Gym
1:35pm-3:30pm: Open Swim
10:15am-12:00pm: Trail Mix Station
10:00am-12:00pm: Family Obstacle Course

Midland YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-4:00pm
1:00pm-3:45pm: Open Gym
1:00pm-2:30pm: Open Swim
9:30am-11:00am: Trail Mix Station
9:00am-11:00am: Family Obstacle Course

Wasaga Beach YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-5:00pm
1:00pm-3:00pm: Open Gym
1:00pm-2:30pm: Open Swim
1:00pm-3:00pm: Trail Mix Station
1:00pm-3:00pm: Family Obstacle Course

Gravenhurst YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-4:00pm
1:15pm-2:30pm: Open Gym
1:00pm-2:30pm: Open Swim
12:30pm-1:15pm: Trail Mix Station
12:30pm-1:15pm: Family Obstacle Course

Parry Sound YMCA

Facility Hours: 9:00am-2:00pm
1:00pm-2:00pm: Open Gym

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