Contact Us

AYS Joins Fit City Initiative

As AYS' Stepping UP Wellness Initiative begins its second year, AYS has joined Indianapolis' Fit City Initiative. Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson has challenged Hoosiers to "make a healthy move" in order to improve the overall health of Central Indiana. The Fit City Initiative has put a particular spotlight on childhood obesity.

In 2001, 36 percent of Hoosier fourth-graders were at risk of being overweight, while nearly 20 percent had already experienced the problem. (Indiana State Department of Health) In the fall of 2004 with a grant from the Anthem Foundation, AYS began the Stepping UP Wellness Initiative in AYS programs to curb the incidents of obesity for children in our programs.

AYS programs were encouraged to include at least 30 minutes of active play each day. Monthly trackers recorded daily activity at the programs. Healthy snacks were available each day at programs, along with healthy recipes for cooking clubs.

Obese children face an increased risk of Type-2 Diabetes, early-onset heart disease, hypertension, anxiety, asthma, sleep apnea, joint and orthopedic problems, digestive disorders and depression. (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services) Besides a diminished quality of life, these factors lead to higher health costs and national spending.

Hoosiers wanting to "make a healthy move" can call 2-1-1 or visit www.fitcity.info for more information.

Posted: 9/9/05

Next: Community Health Network Nurse Consultant Joins AYS >>

© 2005 AYS, Inc.