YMCA of the USA Offers Simple Tips to Give the Lifetime Gift of Health and Well-Being to Family and Friends This Holi...( Long-term Health Risks for Obese ...),Health

Long-term Health Risks for Obese Youth Increases Urgency for Helping

Families Make their Holidays 'Heart Healthy'

CHICAGO, Dec. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study published this month in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence substantially increases future risk of heart disease and suggests the serious consequences of our nation's obesity epidemic are yet to come. YMCAs nationwide offer an integrated and holistic approach to health and well-being for children and parents that considers nutrition, relationships and physical activity to be a family matter. This holiday season, YMCA of the USA encourages families to give the gift of health to their loved ones and offers simple tips to make the holidays heart healthy.

"We know that millions of Americans, including children, face significant barriers to getting and staying healthy and active," said YMCA of the USA President and CEO Neil Nicoll. "The YMCA continues working to help communities, families and individuals make healthier choices, including education, healthy environments and relationships that support behavior change. In hundreds of communities across the country, YMCAs are helping adults, teens and youth overcome significant barriers to leading healthier, more active lives."

The holiday season is a perfect time to join with friends and family in making a commitment to a healthier way of living. Giving the gift of health this holiday season can make a lifetime difference in the way children grow into healthy adults -- helping them to enjoy an active and balanced lifestyle before the consequences of obesity become irreversible.

YMCA of the USA offers the following ideas to help people incorporate healthy living into their holiday celebrations and gift giving and to help them be a source of encouragement to their friends and loved ones:

-- Bring a healthy offering to potluck parties. A festive
'/>"/>