HEALTHY U IS A “GO” AT TWO WESTFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WESTFIELD AREA Y

The Westfield Area Y is proud to announce that Jefferson and Washington Elementary Schools are offering the Healthy U program as part of the curriculum this school year.

Jefferson Elementary School held its launch event October 10. Principal Munoz began the school-wide assembly by introducing the Healthy U program to the kids. The P.E. teacher discussed the physical activities, the School Nurse discussed the theory of “Go,” “Slow,” and “Whoa” foods, and the Cafeteria Supervisors introduced the “Healthy U Star” program. The action really began with the school mascot leading an exercise routine. “Our entire school is focusing on ways to make ourselves healthier,” said Principal Munoz. “This is happening through an awareness of how easy it is to make healthy changes in our lives in small ways. I am so happy that Jefferson School chose a theme of ‘Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy U’—the results will spell success, and hopefully a happier and healthy life.”

The Westfield Area Y simultaneously celebrated its 5th year of incorporating Healthy U into its youth programs. The preschoolers and full-day Kindergarteners at the Bauer Branch gathered together for Healthy U games and activities. Stations included parachute play, hula hooping and scarf juggling to promote the fun of being physically active. Older students in the Main Y after-school program completed “Healthy U Commitment” certificates, outlining their goals for being more active and eating healthier this school year. “Having a Healthy U school-year kick-off event demonstrates our recommitment to Healthy U while creating an exciting program for the kids who can see how much fun healthy living can be,” said Amanda Aguirre, Westfield Area Y Associate Director of Physical Programs.

Healthy U is a collaborative partnership between the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey with the goal of combating childhood obesity through nutrition education, physical education and family involvement. It uses the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) curriculum to promote physical activity and good nutrition while showing kids ages 3-13 that eating healthy and being physically active every day can be fun. The program also provides support to families for making good choices and lifestyle changes. Since 2008, the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey has invested $3.45 million in the Healthy U initiative.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit www.westfieldynj.orgto learn more about Westfield Area Y programs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.