Childhood Obesity Program Kicks Off at YMCA

In an effort to help combat childhood obesity, the YMCA of Western Monmouth County is bringing its “Healthy U” initiative to its preschool site today.

A press release for the new program explains that “Healthy U” is New Jersey’s first comprehensive, statewide initiative to combat childhood obesity in a child care setting. The program started in 2008 with the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and has so far affected more then 20,000 children between the ages of five and 13 at 400 YMCA child care and after-school care sites across the state.

Using a Coordinated Approach To Child Health (CATCH), the program is now being expanded to reach pre-school children between the ages of three and five and will promote physical activity, healthy food choices, and prevention of tobacco use in children.

The new program was unveiled today at the YMCA of Western Monmouth County for parents, children, staff and board members.