LA County Fitness Challenge Takes on Summer Slump

L.A. County youth organizations are working with the Network for a Healthy California to encourage young people to exercise during the summer months.

The effort is a particular focus of the L.A. County Department of Public Health's Network for a Healthy California program, which conducted a study showing that kids gain weight more than twice as fast during the summer as during the regular year.

“Adults might imagine summer as a healthy and active time for kids but this often isn’t the reality,” said Ben Melendrez, Children’s Power Play Campaign coordinator. “That’s why we’re encouraging parents to help their kids overcome the 'summer slump' and get them involved in the fun activities happening at local community youth organizations.”

Local organizations participating in the "Children's Power Play Campaign" include YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs. There are several YMCA's in the area including Diamond Bar/Walnut, Pomona Valley in Pomona and San Gabriel Valley in Covina and Boys and Girls Clubs in La Puente and Pomona.

A similar initiative — the "Power Up Your Summer Challenge!" — aims to encourage children to stay active and eat healthy foods this summer.

“Eating more fruits and vegetables and being active not only beats the summer slump and childhood obesity, but helps kids feel good, reduce stress, improve strength and increase self-esteem—all benefits that last far beyond the summer break,” Melendrez said.

The city of Glendora

Similar stories:

To learn more about the “Power Up Your Summer!” Challenge, and for resources, tips and recipes, go to www.cachampionsforchange.net.

Help your kids participate in the “Power Up Your Summer!” Challenge by:

• Identifying safe outdoor places for kids to play, such as parks, recreation centers and pools.
• If kids can’t get outside, encouraging active indoor play. Even simple things like turning on their favorite music and dancing, cheerleading, skipping or playing freeze dance, limbo or hide-and-seek can get them moving and avoiding the “summer slump.”
• Incorporating physical activity into your family’s routine such as a daily walk or bike ride together.
• Adding delicious summer fruits and vegetables to every meal.
• Limiting screen time to less than two hours per day. Time spent watching television, playing video games or surfing the Internet is time away from active.