Both obesity and risky behaviors are major issues facing today’s children and adolescents.  According to the US Centers for Disease Control, obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents over the past 30 years. Children now more than ever need to establish a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.

A local YMCA program in New Hanover and surrounding counties are working hard to imbed health and fitness into our local children starting at age 8. Girls on the Run (herein referred to as GOTR) and STRIDE of Coastal Carolina is a nonprofit organization aimed to help pre-teen girls (GOTR) and boys (STRIDE) develop healthy lifestyles and self-respect through running.  Life lessons learned through participation in these 10-week programs include nutrition and fitness, goal setting, communication skills, making a difference, working as a team, and character development. GOTR and STRIDE are administered through the Wilmington Family YMCA and serve the Coastal Counties of Columbus, Brunswick, Pender, Onslow, Duplin, Jones, Lenoir, New Hanover, Sampson, Craven, and Carteret.

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

Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better, have more confidence, stronger self-esteem, better memory, and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges.

One program graduate described her experience by saying “I learned that I am the boss of my brain.” GOTR and STRIDE help students take charge of their lives and define the future on their terms. Program supporters think of it as “Can University”—a place where students learn that they can control their futures. Data collected from past participants of GOTR and STRIDE of Coastal Carolina indicate that program graduates have indeed shown decreased participation in risky behaviors, as well as improved fitness levels and knowledge of healthy living. Specifically, 52% of parents saw an improvement in their child’s grades, 68% believe their child is better prepared to respond to peer pressure, 64% said their child continues to choose healthier snacks even after the program, and 70% of parents said that their child has a greater self-esteem.

To launch Girls on the Run and STRIDE at your child’s school all that’s needed are two volunteer coaches and approval from your principal. So say YES to establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness in our local youth today! Visit our website for more information www.nckidsrun.org or contact Amber Rogers at Amber.Rogers@ wilmingtonfamilyymca.org