Play to Thrive at Westfield Galleria

Children can enjoy six different activities that promote good health

You are invited to play at a Kaiser Permanente-sponsored ACTIVITY TIME at the Westfield Galleria at Roseville.

Play to Thrive, which is FREE, takes place Saturday June 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Center Court near JCPenney.

This is an excellent opportunity for children and their families to beat the summer heat by playing some traditional fun games, such as hopscotch, and enjoying some newer ones, such as drums alive – an activity in which kids bang their wooden drumsticks on rubber exercise balls. Children also can play hula hoop, jump rope and skip it.

Physical activity is a prescription being ordered by a growing number of doctors at Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center and elsewhere across the nation, given the alarming rates of overweight and obese children. Over the past 20 years, childhood obesity in the United States has more than tripled among adolescents and more than doubled among children ages 6 to 11.

“As a pediatrician, I like to encourage daily exercise and being active. You cannot store fitness in the bank; you need to renew it daily,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wilson of Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center.

This is especially important during the summer when children have more time on their hands. Play to Thrive is a healthy and fun way for children to enjoy organized games and activities in a safe and climate-controlled location.

In addition to the physical activity, Dr. Wilson and Dr. Wendy Cerny will be available answer parents’ questions about their children’s health. They also will stress the importance of sun safety tips, and good nutrition.

One of the best ways to avoid medical problems as adults, including preventable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, is to live a healthy lifestyle as children. Kaiser Permanente believes that exercise is only part of a healthy regimen that also includes avoiding sugary beverages; drinking non-fat or low-fat milk; and limiting the time children spend playing video games, watching television and using the computer.

“And a wise healthy diet with less sweets and less sugary drinks leads to a healthier body and mind,” Dr. Wilson said.

Play to Thrive will be most enjoyed by children under 10, and their parents. The activities are open to nonmembers and members of Kaiser Permanente.

Play to Thrive is part of Kaiser Permanente’s Walk to Thrive walking club at the mall.

For more information, visit: www.kpwalktothrive.org.