Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Meeting this crisis head on, the Chickasha YMCA, along with its national counterparts, has introduced Activate America®--a health initiative geared toward engaging and educating people of all ages on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

“It’s always been the Y’s mission to support healthy lifestyles but today the stakes are much higher for our children and youth,” said Johnathan Teal Chickasha YMCA executive director. “Health problems predominantly found in adults like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are now being diagnosed in children.”

Teal also adds that approximately 80 percent of children who are overweight during ages 10 to 15 were obese adults by age 25.

To get kids moving, the Chickahsa YMCA summer basketball clinic began June 17. Age groups meet one night per week and participate in structured drills to develop the skills necessary to become a proficient basketball player. The second half of each hour session provides time for structured scrimmage time.

Also, swim lessons are available for ages 0-13 and held at the Shannon Springs Pool. Lessons are offered in mid-morning and early evening. Pricing is $30 for community participants, $20 for youth members, and $10 for family members.

Registration for Fall Sports (Flag Football and Girls Softball) will begin

on July 1. Enrollment for the YMCA Afterschool Program will also begin July

1. An informational meeting on new Year Round pricing will be held on July 7

at 6:30 p.m.

“Activate America is the Y’s response to the growing health crisis in the United States,” said Angela Jones, director of Activate America and Oklahoma City’s Midtown YMCA. “We’re redefining our programs to engage and motivate communities toward better health including the mind, body and spirit. We’re also hoping to partner with other local health initiatives and offer a variety of ways for people of all ages to get involved. ”

Data from the CDC shows a comparison of overweight children living in 1971-1974 to the number of overweight children living in 2003-2004.

* Among preschool-aged children, aged 2–5 years, the prevalence of overweight increased from 5.0% to 13.9%.

* Among school-aged children, aged 6–11 years, the prevalence of overweight increased from 4.0% to 18.8%.

* Among school-aged adolescents, aged 12–19 years, the prevalence of overweight increased from 6.1% to 17.4%.

“By working together with our young people we can help improve the lives of the next generation,” said Teal.