A new summer program developed by a group of Snohomish County hospitals to provide incentives for children to be active this summer could be a model for the state, a group promoting children’s fitness says.
The Get Movin’ program, which targets inactive kids, kicks off in Everett on Saturday.
Coming Sunday Stanwood’s Cody Lancaster, 11, is learning to control his Type 2 diabetes through diet and exercise. Cody’s story is featured in “Kids and Obesity: Stopping the Epidemic,” the third part of a yearlong Herald series.
“I really like the idea,” said Ben Gitenstein, spokesman for the Washington chapter of the Massachusetts-based Coalition For a Healthy and Active America. “That’s exactly the kind of stuff we need to be doing across the state, encouraging local communities to embrace health and fitness.”
Similar to summer reading programs, it offers kids incentives if they’re active three times a week for at least 20 minutes. Those who meet the challenge qualify for free activities each week, such as swimming, ice skating and climbing lessons.
The program runs from Saturday to July 30. Youngsters who meet the activity goals for four of the five weeks get a ticket to an Everett AquaSox game Aug. 25.
Former Gov. Booth Gardner helped found Coalition For a Healthy and Active America to fight the growing childhood obesity problem. The group promotes youth activities and better eating habits.
“We won’t win the fight against obesity until our communities get involved,” Gardner said. “That’s why I was so encouraged to learn about the innovative Get Movin’ program.”
Sign-ups for Get Movin’ are part of a children’s health fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Everett Mall.
It includes youth blood pressure checks, some healthy recipes and tips on healthy eating, and an activity stage that includes hip-hop dance and group hula-hoop sessions. There will be drawings every half-hour for sports equipment, including a bicycle.
“We’re really hoping that some moms and dads who have kids who are overweight, who are worried about their (children’s) health will come here to see where they are and where they need to go,” said Cheri Russum, spokeswoman for Providence Everett Medical Center, one of five local sponsors.
The program is free, but parents must sign a registration form available at the health fair for kids to participate.
Children can choose any kind of sport or activity. A form is provided for parents to check off which days their children exercised.
“Kids love to be motivated,” Russum said. “It’s all within their control to earn these prizes.”
Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.
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