A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA

Get Active Together as a Family!

Exercising together brings families together. It gives parents and children the opportunity to have meaningful conversations and really get to know one another. Parents often don't recognize the power they have to model healthy behaviour to their children. When parents and kids are active together, it gives them a common sense of purpose and a goal. Exercise benefits both of them in spirit, mind and body.

Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. Kids who are active will:

• have stronger muscles and bones
• have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat
• be less likely to become overweight
• decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• possibly lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• have a better outlook on life

Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges - from running to catch a bus to studying for a test.

View the program schedule for dates and times of family and children programs.

Researchers at McMaster University and Boston University have developed a new parent survey called the Participation & Environment Measure - children and Youth Version (PEM-CY).

The PEM-CY is an on-line survey to help parents share information about their child's participation in typical activities at home, in school, and in the community.

If you are a parent of a child 6-16 years old, please visit www.bu.edu/kidsincontext

Complete the PEM-CY online in 20 minutes or less!

Enter to Win: iPOD touch

For more information, contact:

Rachel Teplicky Participation & Environment Project

(905) 525-0140 ext 26850, E-mail: teplicr@mcmaster.ca