In the past few years, South Carolina has ranked in the top ten for obesity rates. Estimates put the rate over 30 percent. This includes children. Unhealthy eating habits and a reduction in active lifestyles are two of the main culprits for this epidemic.   

Statistics reveal boys 6-19 are currently the most obese group of children and 30 percent are dangerously overweight.  While being overweight is a problem, it often leads to further problems. 70 percent of obese children will most likely encounter a major cardiovascular disease in the future.

With the rising trend in obesity, instilling a healthy lifestyle at a young age may be a matter of life or death.  ABC News reported that one study found that obese children are twice as likely to die before 55 as their proper weight peers.  The growing increase in obesity has called for new solutions aimed specifically at children.

The YMCA of Irmo makes an impact by offering classes such as Yoga Kids and Kid’s Dance Cardio.  Sarah Roof, a sophomore, teaches the Kids Dance Cardio class.

“Kid’s Dance Cardio is an upbeat kind of class based on the aerobic part of dance that almost anyone could do,” said Roof.  She enjoys working with younger kids the most.

She said, “The kids are usually in elementary school.” Roof instructs the dance class to kids during the weekdays

Childhood obesity has become a major problem for America over the past decade.  Today over 30 percent of children eat fast food regularly.  In fact, over the past few years the percentages have tripled.

Roof says she enjoys being able to make a difference by doing her job.

“I think childhood obesity should be addressed and [exercise] instilled early on,” she said.

Besides eating right, getting the right amount of exercise is important to a healthy lifestyle. 

The YMCA provides a fun and safe environment for children to grow and appreciate the value of exercise.  Sabrina Ceballos, Senior Program Director at the YMCA, said that the Y is tying to get families to exercise together.

“We’re trying to do it in a natural way,” stated Ceballos.  She adds the programs seek to stress an active lifestyle.

Ceballos added, “We’re trying to make it fun.”

In order to create a fun but healthy atmosphere, the YMCA uses active play like Wii games that require the children to be energetic and move around. One of the most popular additions to the program is Justin’s Place, an indoor play area dedicated to the memory of Justin Pepper.  The YMCA programs hopes that as kids use Justin’s Place they will begin to enjoy physical activity and seek other avenues to “work out.”

“The kids play in Justin’s Place, start out with Yoga Kids, and work out with their families.  Eventually they’ll get the chance to work out with fitness coaches,” Ceballos said.