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Community Affairs, News, and Notes
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Casper Family YMCA to Fight Youth Obesity!
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According to the U.S. surgeon general, about 14 percent of the nation's adolescents are obese, a prevalence that has nearly tripled in the last decade. Obesity can lead to health problems, including heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Obese or overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming obese adults.
Chris Detrick, CEO of the Casper Family YMCA, has developed a plan to combat obesity in Natrona County youth, and he is starting with fourth graders. "About fourth grade is when parents start feeling they are comfortable with their kids staying home alone," Detrick said, "which means that they are probably going to be babysat by one of two things. It will either be the TV set, which contributes to the obesity issue, or they will hang out with their peers, and bored kids often get into trouble."
To give the children in this age group an alternative, the YMCA is extending a free membership to all 2005-06 fourth graders in Natrona County. In addition, the YMCA is offering them a free, four-week structured health and fitness program beginning July 18. "With the first step, we are breaking down the barrier of the cost of membership, which is still only $8 a month, but for some, that's still a barrier." With that membership, kids can get involved in open swim time, use the gymnasium and have a safe place to hang out.
The second phase involves an hour a week, from 2-3 p.m., where children will at first be given an all-around physical assessment, followed by activities, including racquetball, swimming, basketball and nutrition training. Children will be able to choose any day -- Monday through Friday -- to attend the sessions. "They're not going to see a huge improvement in four weeks," Detrick said, "but we hope to start a trend." He added that he expects the children to take what they learn home and become a good role model for their parents and siblings.
In addition to the health benefits, Detrick said participants will gain a new mental mindset. "To me, one of the greatest benefits of health and fitness is your confidence level," he said. "The better you feel about yourself, the less chance you're going to have of getting in gangs, the less chance you're going to have of trying drugs, or whatever it might be." He also hopes that after completing the program, children will have more energy heading back to school, will begin to interact with new kids from different schools, and will be able to make smarter health decisions. "Maybe they'll think twice before coming home and just flopping on the couch."
With about 1,000 fourth graders in Natrona County, Detrick hopes to get at least 60 percent involved, if only on the membership level. Currently, the fitness program has room for about 150 children, but Detrick has not ruled out adding a session if interest is high. Depending on the outcome, this pilot program, which was funded by Neil McMurry and the United Way, may continue after school begins, following the progress of the children as they enter fourth grade and beyond. Detrick said this summer's project is just the initial step in combating the youth obesity issue. Children in other grades, as well as adults, who are unable to pay membership fees, can set up a confidential meeting with Detrick to discuss reduced or free membership.
To sign up, visit the Casper Family YMCA at 315 E. 15th St., or call 234-9187 for more information.
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At the Casper Family YMCA we believe in providing membership and program services
to all who desire to participate. Contact us today for financial assistance information.
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