Letter: Americans need to improve health

Friday, April 30, 1999 | 2:25 a.m.

These organizations promote a reasonable benchmark for the "average American": get 30 minutes of moderately strenuous physical activity four days a week for health benefits. Unfortunately, their studies show that 78 percent of adults fall short of meeting even this modest goal, and 24 percent are completely sedentary. Kids aren't much better. Nearly half of 12- to 21-year-olds aren't active on a regular basis, and childhood obesity is up 54 percent in children age 6 to 11 since 1963.

So, what's the advice? Get off your duffs, America!

Good health starts in the home, but families get a big boost when communities help make this happen by creating opportunities for fun physical activities and by ensuring that youth have good role models. It's a message that the YMCA has taken to heart. YMCA programs such as afterschool tutorial and enrichment programs, youth leagues, parent-child sports clinics, family welliness memberships that include all ages, and learn-to-swim programs give children a positive start and a inspiration for a lifetime of well-being.

The YMCA will also sponsor its annual Healthy Families Day (part of a nationwide celebration) on Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our community can enjoy a variety of events at two different sites this year: at the Bennett Family YMCA, 4141 Meadows Lane, and, for the Northwest Extension YMCA, in the main parking lot of Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, our event sponsor. All events are free and will include free immunizations, booths from community organizations, family games and activities, demonstrations and more.

Mike Lubbe, President of the YMCA of Southern Nevada

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