Larry Lev

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Research shows that many families already know they need to be more active and eat healthier foods, but they often don’t know where or how to begin. The thought of making an immediate and drastic lifestyle change can be daunting and discourage many families. What families need is that extra boost to get them started in the right direction and at a pace that is comfortable for them.

To help, the YMCA of the Palms, with locations in Naples and Bonita Springs, along with more than 1,400 YMCAs nationwide, is introducing millions of families to Healthy Family Home during America On the Move Week with the YMCA, Sept. 20-27.

This will be a week of healthy and fun-filled events for families of the Naples and Bonita Springs communities, aimed to promote active living and healthier eating.

The YMCA of the Palms is encouraging families to take “small steps” in creating a “healthy family home,” and offers simple and practical tools for families to begin eating healthier, become more physically active and make more time for family.

For the first time in history, children are predicted to live less healthy and possibly shorter lives than their parents because of obesity. Research by the America on the Move Foundation (AOM) shows that making two small daily changes — taking 2,000 more steps (the equivalent of about one mile) and eating only 100 fewer calories — can prevent the average annual weight gain of one to two pounds.

“Steps” are awarded for actual steps taken during the week, as well as equivalents for all other forms of physical activity, such as swimming, biking and dancing, and other group or family activities that promote well-being, such as eating together as a family.

Healthy Family Home’s research has shown that these kinds of family activities can produce significant long-term results. It’s better to start these changes in a small fashion, and beginning these changes at home can improve your family life and eating habits outside the home.

Participants can begin to track their “steps” by contacting either the Greater Naples YMCA at 597-3148 or the Bonita Springs YMCA at 992-9622, to request an America on the Move Quick Start Guide with a tracking form and step conversions for common exercises and activities; or by signing up at www.ymca.net.

Online participants should use the following four-digit code when prompted during the registration process: 1283. The goal is to reach 10 billion steps across the country during this designated week.

We invite families — and individuals of all ages — to participate in activities that will help them move more and eat healthier.

To kick off America On the Move Week, the YMCA is hosting a 4,000 step fitness walk on Sept. 20, starting at 8 a.m. on the track of the Community School of Naples. The walk is free and open to anyone in the community.

We’ve also posted many resources on our Web site, including simple tips on how to take 2,000 more steps a day or eat 100 fewer calories.

The YMCA of the Palms offers quality, affordable programs and services to benefit all people. Ever-changing to serve community needs, the YMCA provides a values-based environment and quality programs for children, teens, adults, seniors, and families.

The YMCA of the Palms is committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities with the goal that no one is turned away for an inability to pay.

For more information about YMCA programs or services, please visit our Web site at www.ymcapalms.org. You may also call or visit either of our branches: the Bonita Springs YMCA, 992-9622, or the Greater Naples YMCA, 597-3148.