Research shows that many families already know they need to be more active and eat healthier foods, but they often don't know where or how to begin. The thought of making an immediate and drastic lifestyle change can be daunting and discourages many families. What families need is that extra boost to get them started in the right direction and at a pace that is comfortable for them.

To help, the Ventura and Camarillo Family YMCAs and more than 1,400 YMCAs nationwide will introduce millions of families to Healthy Family Home during America On the Move Week, Sept. 20-27, a week of healthy and fun-filled events that promote active living and healthier eating.

The YMCA is encouraging families to take small steps in creating a Healthy Family Home, and offers simple and practical tools for families to begin eating healthier, become more physically active and make more time for family. It's better to start these changes in a small fashion, and beginning these changes at home can improve your family life and eating habits outside the home.

Through Healthy Family Home and America On the Move Week, the Ventura and Camarillo Family YMCAs hope to show families how making small changes in the home can really make a difference. For the first time in history, children are predicted to live less healthy and possibly shorter lives than their parents because of obesity. Research by the America On the Move Foundation shows that making two small daily changes — taking 2,000 more steps (the equivalent of about one mile) and eating only 100 fewer calories — can prevent the average annual weight gain of 1 to 2 pounds.

We invite families — and individuals of all ages — in Ventura County to participate in activities that will help them move more and eat healthier.

During America On the Move Week, each YMCA will host a variety of activities. The Ventura Family YMCA will feature a member wellness challenge, "Step-tember," which encourages individuals and families to incorporate more steps into their days by awarding prizes to the top teams and individuals at end of the month. Healthy Family Home materials such as "100 Ways to Eat Healthier," "100 Ways to Add 2,000 Steps" and "100 Ways to Surround Your Family with Success" will be available for participants.

If you are ready to get moving, stop by the Ventura or Camarillo Family YMCAs for more information and become part of a national movement, America on the Move!

For more information on America On the Move Week activities or membership, please contact the Ventura Family YMCA at 642-2131 or the Camarillo Family YMCA at 484-0423 or log on to http://www.ciymca.org.

About the YMCA

The Camarillo and Ventura YMCAs serve more than 40,000 individuals annually through facility memberships, before- and after-school child care, day and resident camps, youth sports, swim lessons, tween programs, and many more healthy lifestyle and community enriching programs throughout the Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, Santa Paula and Saticoy areas.