According to the American Heart Association, in 1974, the percent of American children between the ages of 6 and 11-years-old who were obese was 4. By 2010, that percentage, for the same age group, had climbed to 18% and it continues to climb year after year.

On Saturday, April 27th, the YMCA of Broome County will hold a free community event which they hope will inspire our kids to get up and keep both their minds and their bodies active.

The YMCA's Healthy Kids Day® will be celebrated at nearly 1,600 YMCA locations all across the country, including right here in the Southern Tier. The YMCA of Broome County's Healthy Kids Day® will take place at the West Family Y, 740 Main Street in Johnson City from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will be packed with fun, playtime, and educational activities.

The YMCA's Healthy Kids Day® is free for both kids and parents and neither need to be a member of the YMCA to join in on the fun. Healthy Kids Day will feature an open swim, face painting, arts and crafts, S.T.E.M activities, a 'Y-Fit for Kids' obstacle course, Zumba, snacks, and more. There will also be several local organizations and businesses on hand to help teach both kids and their parents how to develop a healthy routine at home.

If you'd like to learn more about the YMCA of Broome County's Healthy Kids Day®, call the West Family YMCA at (607) 770-9622.

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