Image Credit: Contributed/Okanagan of YMCA
October 06, 2016 - 3:54 PM
KELOWNA - MEND — Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It! — is a free and fun program that empowers families to live healthier, more active lives. Focused on healthy meal planning, goal setting and physical activity, MEND puts more play in a family’s day with a focus on reducing screen time, improving self-esteem and getting families talking about healthy habits together.
Families in MEND have seen many benefits from participating in the program.
“One of my favourite parts was brainstorming with the other families about what works for them and finding alternative ways to approach issues with our kids; like picky eating or screen time,” says Susan Forster.
Susan and Chad Forster’s youngest, Joelle, was happy to meet new friends in the program and really took to label reading. Her older sister, Hannah, enjoyed the gym activities and thought the whole program was helpful. The best thing was that they were all able to participate and learn as a family.
Program: MEND — a fun program that empowers families to live healthier together
Who: Families with children aged 7–13
Date: Next session starts October 11 (10 week program, twice-weekly sessions)
Location: H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
Cost: FREE
MEND includes a FREE six month membership at the Kelowna Family Y or H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre and consists of practical demonstrations, active games and tips around label reading, portion sizes and choosing healthy foods.
According to ParticipACTION, only nine per cent of kids and 20 per cent of parents in Canada are getting enough exercise. Research on the success of the MEND program indicates that when families decide to adopt healthy practices as a unit, the kids are more likely to ‘buy in’.
For more information and to find out if you qualify for MEND please contact Raj Nijjar at rnijjar@ymcaokanagan.ca. A YMCA membership is not a requirement in order to participate in this Government Funded Program. Next session starts on October 11 at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016