Be Active For A Fun Family Summer

Over the last few decades, obesity among adults and kids has been on the rise. Research indicates that obesity has more than tripled among children and adolescents, rising up to 17% from only 5% in the 1970s. Research also reveals that obesity and being overweight has greatly increased among adults climbing up to 68% from 46% in the 1970s. A new study also found that the most inappropriate weight gain for children occurs during the summer months while children are away from school. To keep adults and kids active throughout the summer, Portage County CAN has launched the Summer Fit Kids Challenge and Move to Improve.

The Summer Fit Kids Challenge is a program where every child in elementary school is being encouraged to participate by taking the challenge of completing 100 hours of physical activity from now through the beginning of the school year in September. Every school district in Portage County and the Stevens Point YMCA will be distributing activity logs for the Fit Kids Challenge to send students off to summer with a great program to keep them physically active. The program kicks off on Friday, June 17th at the YMCA Adventure Pool and runs all summer long.

Portage County CAN will also be hosting Move to Improve to encourage adults to get active this summer as well. Every adult in Portage County is being encouraged to participate in a 12-week program geared towards increasing physical activity levels for teams of up to 5 members. This program recognizes that every person’s fitness levels, and their interest in being physically active, vary. This is one program where the newcomer to physical activity has the same opportunity for success as the well-trained athlete.

All participants will receive a Move to Improve sling bag and t-shirt. Plus, a free 12-week punch card for physical activity opportunities around our community! All team members earn a chance to enter the mid-way and final prize drawing by reaching his or hers physical activity goals. Plus, team captains earn an extra chance for prizes by creating a full team of 5 and turning in all mid-way and finals points for their team members. The Kick-off event is June 27th from 4-7 p.m. at Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor’s Center.

If you would like to register for the Summer Fit Kids Challenge or Move to Improve, visit our website at http://www.PortageCountyCAN.org or contact Rachel King at (715) 345-5727 or kingr@co.portage.wi.us. The Summer Fit Kids Challenge is FREE for all kids to participate. Move to Improve is $25 for a team of up to 5 team members.

Portage County CAN is a partnership of 20+ community organizations working to promote and support healthy eating and active living in Portage County. Portage County CAN encourages physical activity and healthy eating through education, awareness, and the encouragement of policies and organizational change that will make Portage County the healthiest county in the state. To learn more about Portage County CAN and their initiatives, please visit http://www.PortageCountyCAN.org