September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia — a leader in youth development and healthy living— wants to help families in the Greater Savannah area understand the risks of childhood obesity and how to incorporate regular physical activity and healthy eating into their lives. Childhood obesity rates have soared over the last few decades. Nationally, one in three children is obese or overweight, and in Chatham County over 20% of school children are affected by this epidemic, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and RTI International. More alarming, obesity puts children at risk for chronic diseases often seen in adults, such as high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

“At the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, we want families to understand the risks of childhood obesity and the lifetime benefits of eating right and getting physically active,” said Joel Smoker, Vice President, YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to healthy living and the Y is a great place for families to get started.”

The following tips can help families live healthier: Eat Healthy;Play Every Day/Go Outside; Get Together with Family; Reduce Screen Time; and Sleep Well:

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia offers programs designed to instill healthy lifestyles such as Healthy Kids Day, Youth & Adult Sports, Family Fit Night, Y Kids Run, Couch to 5K programs, group fitness classes, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and so much more. These programs have helped children, adults, and families by providing them with information, activities, and instruction to help live a longer and healthier life. To learn more about the YMCA, please stop by your local YMCA of Coastal Georgia branch or visit ymcaofcoastalga.org.