The Kosciusko Community YMCA is kicking off a new program at a free Family Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15. The Earn and Burn Program is an easy and effective way to teach elementary school aged children balance between calorie intake and calorie expenditure. Children will track points earned by the physical activity that they do to earn a reward that they and their parents pick out.

Parents and caregivers play a key role in making healthy choices for children and teaching them to make healthy choices for themselves. In today’s busy world, this isn’t always easy. The Earn and Burn Program offers parents the tools, support and information they need to guide children in making healthier choices, using a rewards system. It provides freedom in allowing the parents to control the pace of the Program and the rewards that their children will qualify for.

At the Family Night Kickoff on Nov. 15, families will be able to swim, do Family Zumba and participate in a veggie tasting. Dr. Jain will present information about a healthy family home and other youth health information will be available, including “Super Trackers” for the Earn and Burn program. Because the YMCA is committed to making sure every child has access to physical activity, they will waive the joiner’s fee for any youth membership or decrease the joiner’s fee by $25 on a family or single parent family membership during the family night.

Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. In combination with healthy eating, physical activity can help prevent a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke, the three leading causes of death. Physical activity helps control weight, builds lean muscle, reduces fat, promotes strong bone, muscle and joint development, and decreases the risk of obesity.