Fun physical activities for kids offered today at 'Let's Move' downtown

YOUNGSTOWN

Over several hours, hundreds of people came to East Federal Plaza as part of an effort to get kids to be more physically fit.

The effort is part of First Lady Michele Obama’s “Let’s Move” program. The key for the event is to get children out and active, said Kathy Hammond, one of the event’s organizers.

The event included Zumba, line dancing, basketball and a lot of other physical activity, she said.

Better dining habits are a big part of the effort to reduce childhood obesity.

“Part of the First Lady’s program online includes tips about how to eat better inexpensively because it is expensive to eat well,” Hammond said.

With the addition of Bottom Dollar grocery stores in the city of Youngstown that carry fresh produce, it should get easier for inner city residents to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, she said. In addition city residents need to be aware that places like White House Fruit Farm accept food stamps so they can buy fresh healthy food.

“One of the problems we have is that one 70- to 80-degree day, instead of being outside playing basketball or riding bikes, kids will be inside playing video games,” said David Hight, who will organize the Youngstown City Schools physical education program for children in the third through sixth grades.

Read more about the program in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.