AUSTIN, Minn. (KTTC) -- New studies tell us the number of overweight or obese kids is on the rise, but that doesn't have to be the case. One organization is putting plans in place to help.
New numbers suggest the nation's weight issues are not getting any better.
For Minnesota alone, according to the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, the state's kids are not getting any healthier, almost 1 in 4 being overweight.
Statistics that are not surprising to area health experts.
The Austin YMCA is well aware of the weight issues that face our state, and they see plenty of people walk in concerned for their family's health.
"We have families that will come in with younger children that are looking for activities for them to keep them more active because they are concerned about their child's health and their level of activity," says Cindy Bowe, the Aquatic Director at the Austin YMCA.
YMCAs across the country have programs like basketball, racquetball, weightlifting and swimming to help people get into shape and stay in shape, but it's the programs they have in place for the younger generation that may help curb that obesity problem for good.
"In fall, we have a new pre-school class that we're going to begin to give very young pre-school children a chance to see the different sports; basketball, football and all different kinds of things, soccer."
To go along with an active lifestyle, Bowe says changes in diet and overall attitude go a long way to putting this problem in the rear-view mirror for good.
"We've got this newer, younger, late 20's early 30's generation of parents coming up and I think that is a big change. I think they are really looking into a lot more healthier options for their families and their children."
Organizations like the 'Y' offer many summer programs for all ages to help you and your kid get interested in being active and staying active.
