Media Advisory

Editor’s Note:  Photo Ops include Commissioner Howard meeting with children at the YMCA of Greater Bergen County who are taking part in physical fitness programs and a healthy foods demonstration as part of the day’s event.

Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard will join Nelson Louis, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Bergen County and leading nutrition and fitness advocates at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, at the YMCA of Greater Bergen County, 360 Main Street in Hackensack to promote New Jersey’s statewide initiative to reduce childhood obesity.

The event, Nutrition and Fitness Awareness Day at the YMCA , will feature a variety of indoor exercise and fitness programs for kids from ages 2 ½ to 17, and healthy foods and nutritious summer treats displays and demonstrations. A representative from Stop and Shop will provide nutritious summer treats.

Children will demonstrate activities that are part of the first statewide comprehensive Healthy U program sponsored by The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and in partnership with the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. The Healthy U program is found in more than 365 YMCA after school programs in New Jersey. Healthy U utilizes Coordinated Approach To Child Health (CATCH) program curricula, an evidence based child health promotion program that encourages healthy eating and a physically active lifestyle.

Obesity is a serious public health problem that puts children and adolescents at greater risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. 

To reduce obesity rates in New Jersey, the Office of Nutrition and Fitness (ONF) of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) in association with a public-private partnership of more than 100 organizations are working together to coordinate statewide efforts that enable people to eat better, be active and live healthier lies.

These businesses, agencies and nonprofits include the New Jersey State Alliance of YMCAs, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Academy of Pediatrics/PCORE, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, the Medical Society of NJ, the NJ Food Council, NJ Dietetic Association, NJ Hospital Association and the WIC Program.  They will focus on six target areas established by the CDC for better nutrition and increased physical activity.

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