Jun. 4--It shouldn't surprise anyone by now to hear that parents who are active usually have active kids. But kids can also help "activate" their parents. Not only does early education train young minds how to develop a healthy lifestyle, it conditions young bodies and encourages active play, fitness and coordination.
Locally, our schools, government and health organizations have claimed no small amount of success with programs such as D.A.R.E., M.A.D.D./S.A.D.D. and Lifesavers Club. Kids who understand the health benefits of exercise are more likely to encourage their parents, much as they discourage unhealthy habits such as smoking, drug and alcohol consumption, and lack of seat belt and helmet use.
Playing with your children and engaging them in sports and activities while they are very young is an investment in their future health and well-being. Along with proper nutrition and hydration, exercise will prevent some of the fastest-growing health concerns our country has ever seen in increasingly younger people. Heart disease, type II diabetes and osteoporosis/osteopaenia are largely preventable through lifestyle choices we make or those that are made for us when we are very young.
As we age and typically become less active, our kids can remind us what it felt like to play and feel strong. My family enjoys basketball, softball, tennis, bike riding and swimming, and by now, many of you know how crazy we are about volleyball. This year, my girls have discovered the challenges and rewards in running and various forms of body-weight circuit training. Many times I probably would have settled for something sedentary in most of my "free" time, so I have my daughters' youthful enthusiasm to thank for encouraging me to get out and have fun.
In the coming weeks, we have a lot of opportunities for active family time. Recently the YMCA and International Bar-B-Q Festival committee were delighted to accommodate so many families in our 31st annual Bar-B-Q Festival 5k. Thanks to the participation of our Y families and several area school children and their families, we had nearly 600 participants, our most successful race since I have been associated with the festival.
This Saturday, we look forward to continuing that success with our annual Hometown IGA/Green River Regional Senior Games 5k Run/Walk. This event begins at Shifley Park at Bittel Road, follows the David C. Adkisson GreenBelt and concludes at the GRADD office on U.S. 60 East. Due to popular request, we've added a 9-and-under division to this race as well. Start time for walkers is 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for runners.
On June 13, we have our sixth annual Lakewood Valley Triathlon in Whitesville. This year's registration is shaping up to truly be a family affair. We have running families and swimming families, and spouses competing against one another. One of my favorite swim families, the Duncans, are spreading their talent among a couple of teams, with parents Bill and Kelly teaming up against their daughter Katie and her aunt Kerry on the relay. Their oldest son, Graham, is going it alone for a medal. Bill and Kelly have been a wonderful example of parent involvement as they are also YMCA volunteer coaches for their son, Ben, and our We Serve quick-start tennis program.
To date, we have five families of three or more participants, and 10 couples or sibling pairs who are venturing out for the sprint-distance triathlon. Don't let the "sprint" name fool you. Open water swimming is a challenge and, while beautiful, the bike course is an amazing array of hills set on the border of Daviess and Ohio counties. Finishing with a 5K run around the lake, and through the surrounding woods, most participants do finish with a smile.
I am looking forward to the conclusion myself, as it will also be a family affair for the Fords. This will be my first experience with open-water swimming, while my husband will have the pleasure of picking up my slack on the bike leg. Our youngest daughter Erin is expected to cross the finish line as the runner for Team Ford. Having spent the last two years as a course volunteer, she is excited to participate in her first race. I can't wait!
The YMCA would also like to thank the Anderson family for their generosity and support in hosting this event for our community and our guests from eight other states. Without their commitment to helping our region become a healthier, more physically fit population, the Lakewood Valley Triathlon would not be possible.
For registration for these events and information on additional active opportunities within our community, contact me at the Owensboro Family YMCA, 270-926-9622. Coming July 11, the Hilliard Lyons Health and Fitness Classic!
Jaime Ford is fitness director at the Owensboro Family YMCA.
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