King's Daughters, Ashland Boyd County Health Department host free health event Aug. 15

Leading a healthy lifestyle through better nutrition and increasing physical activity is a goal for most families. How to do this on a budget and with today’s hectic schedules can be a problem. Join King’s Daughters and the Ashland Boyd County Health Department Saturday, Aug. 15, to find out. Healthy Families Back to School will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the medical center’s Health Education Center.

“This free event has something for everyone and can help families start on their path to healthier living,” said Kim Bayes, KDMC lifestyle change coach. “We know families that play together and eat meals together are healthier, but it can be difficult. We can help families figure it out.”

The event features healthy food demonstrations, grocery shopping tips, giveaways, exercise and more. Families will learn how to eat more fruits and vegetables, avoid junk food and drop liquid calories common in drinks.

“Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the U.S.,” said Bayes. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 12.7 million children and adolescents ages 2-19 are obese. Super sizing of our food, hectic lifestyles leading to more fast food meals, more “screen” time and less outdoor play have contributed to this problem.”

At the event, families and children will get to:

· Put on lab jackets and goggles in the “beverage lab” to see just how much sugar is actually in flavored drinks and fruit juices (sugar-sweetened beverages are the largest source of added sugar in the diets of American youth according to the CDC).

· Learn how to use smart phone apps to identify healthy food choices. “Kids love using our phones,” said Bayes. “We’ll show them how to use those apps to make good choices.” Participants are encouraged to bring their smart phones and devices to learn more about nutrition facts and ingredients by scanning barcodes on packaged foods found in a typical grocery store.”

· Get moving! Three types of physical activity, including an obstacle course for kids will be set up to encourage aerobic activity, bone strengthening and muscle building.

· Learn from a martial arts demonstration.

· Attend the closing session “Providing Healthy Meals on a Budget” presented by Mikyla Peres, KDMC registered dietitian, to find out how to eat better without busting the budget.

“King’s Daughters and the Ashland Boyd County Health Department are dedicated to improving the health of families in our community,” said Bayes. “This will be the first of many other hands-on, family-oriented educational opportunities planned for the coming months.”

Pre-registration is required. Call Bayes at (606) 408-1560 or complete online registration at www.kdmc.com. Deadline for registration is Aug. 7.