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Childhood obesity is being called a global epidemic and the statistics are alarming. Many locals express concern but thankfully there are many resources available to get your young children active early- even in the winter months. We visited Wellsboro Parks & Recreation as well as the YMCA in Mansfield on today’s feature.

Inadequate physical activity and poor dietary habits are two primary causes of obesity. The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition says that only a third of American children participate in physical activities on a daily basis.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that children ages 6-17 receive 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. This should include aerobic activity as well as age-appropriate muscle- and bone-strengthening activities like push-ups, jumping rope and running.

Helping kids meet these guidelines can help promote a healthy weight, stronger bones and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases like diabetes & cancer.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents limit their kids’ screen time to two hours or less a day. By doing this you encourage them to be more active and creative. Why not get active outside or try a new class? Wellsboro Parks and Recreation and the YMCA in Mansfield offer a wide range of activities for all ages.

Enrolling in a class & getting involved is a great way to add variety, beat the winter blues, be active, and meet new people. Trying new things is a great way to figure out what your child might like.

For tots ages 12 months to school age, Sarah Rice Duterte leads Toddler Song on Thursdays 9-10am at the administrative gym through Wellsboro Parks and Recreation. Each class is $8 for the first child and $5 for siblings. The last class will be held on 3/1.

Wellsboro Parks & Recreation also offers these upcoming events:
Saturday February 10th-
9am – 2pm Cross Country Ski tour at the PA Lumber Museum
9am – 11am Snowshoe Hike at Lyman Run State Park
Saturday February 17th-
12pm – 3pm Wellsboro Winter Celebration on the Green and Main Street.

The YMCA in Mansfield currently offers:
Toddler play time for Mothers of Preschoolers every Tuesday 10am – 11am
Itty Bitty Basketball ages 4-6 Saturdays 10am – 11am
Bitty Basketball ages 7-9 Saturdays 11am – 12pm

Soon your active child could enjoy better sleep, improved self-confidence, higher self-esteem and a better overall outlook on life.

For more information check out these websites:
wellsbororecreation.org
rvrymca.org/tioga-county
gonoodle.com
darebee.com
fitnessblender.com