6/19/08

Local families Get Movin’ for the summer

by Beckye Randall

With lots of suggestions for family fun activities, plus coupons good for local swimming pools, bowling alleys and Taekwondo lessons, the Get Movin’ 2008 Playbook is a must-have for summer.

Get Movin’ is a free summer program that encourages kids and their families to adopt a healthier lifestyle over the summer with access to free physical and recreational activities, plus rewards for maintaining an active schedule.

Using calendars in the Playbook, kids can track their activity levels daily. The goal is to spend at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, being active. Parents monitor their children’s progress and reward them with activities included in the Playbook.

Caroline Brown, health and fitness director for the Marysville YMCA, was on hand in Marysville for the June 7 registration, which was held in conjunction with the Relay for Life at Marysville-Pilchuck High School.

“This is my fourth kickoff today,” said Brown. “We held registrations earlier at Alderwood, the Everett Mall, and in Monroe, and we’re breaking records for participation already!”

With childhood obesity levels on the rise and the popularity of sedentary video games, encouraging an active lifestyle for kids is critical.

“This program is just one more tool in a parent’s tool box to ensure good health for their children,” Brown explained. A member of the Get Movin’ committee since 2004, she is excited about the growth in registration each year.

“Since 2004 we’ve served a total of 4,800 kids and their parents,” she said. The goal for this year is 2,600 participants, and by the end of the day Saturday that goal was in sight.

“We registered 1,866 kids at the four kickoffs, including 444 in Marysville,” Brown reported. “Since Saturday, we’ve registered another 100 Marysville residents.”

Registration for Get Movin’ is open through June 30. To get the free Playbook plus a Get Movin’ bracelet, families can visit the Marysville YMCA, located at 6420-60th Dr. NE, or the Lake Stevens Boys and Girls Club at 1609 E. Lakeshore Drive.

Get Movin’ is sponsored by the Snohomish Health District, The Herald, Everett Transit, Community Transit and the Washington Health Foundation. Partners in the program include the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County, REI and other health and civic organizations.