YMCA Keeps Kids Active to Promote Healthy Living

Showing kids the fun in being active is key to long-term health, according to Putnam County YMCA Day Camp Director Madison Gentry.

A report released Tuesday by The Commonwealth Fund found 38 percent of Tennessee children were overweight or obese in 2016.

“A majority of what we do is trying to do themed games so that they are up and running,” Gentry said. “Almost every day we try to incorporate a big game where everybody gets to play, or where they’re running around for a while.”

The Commonwealth Fund’s report states Tennessee’s child obesity rate was seven percent higher than the national average.

Tennessee is one of several states in the U.S. that does not set physical education time requirements in schools, according to Trust for America’s Health’s 2017 State of Obesity report.

Gentry said The Putnam County YMCA offers several programs throughout the year to keep area children active. Competitive swimming and seasonal soccer programs are offered by the organization.

“I’ve seen some kids come in and they have seemed obese,” Gentry said, “and after a summer of playing at camp or… a year of just being in our programs, I’ve definitely seen improvement in some kids.”

Gentry said she enjoys seeing children improve their health through the programs.

“Probably one of the best parts of the job is to be able to help kids have a great time as well as keeping them healthy,” Gentry said.

The Commonwealth Fund’s report also states 37 percent of adults in Tennessee were overweight, ranking 47th in the country. The rate has increased since 2013 when it was at 35 percent.