|
Please Note: This event has been canceled. |
Helping Kids Avoid Injury to Stay in the Game
Active kids who spend plenty of time running, biking and playing sports have a lot of fun, but they are also more susceptible to injuries. Lancaster General's Orthopedic Center is planning an event that will help kids reduce their risk of injury and provide community education about muscle and bone health.
On Friday, March 20, community organizations and local orthopedic medical practices will team up with Lancaster General for Staying in the Game, a free, three-hour event for young adults ages 9-14 being held in Ephrata. Kids and their parents or adult guardians will spend a fun-filled evening participating in interactive activities that educate them about safe, healthy lifestyles.
“At the event, kids and their parents go to separate ‘stations’ for lessons and education that community organizations provide through fun-based activities,” says Stacey Youcis, Lancaster General Vice President, Operations. “The activities keep the kids interested and give them valuable wellness and safety information at the same time.”
Avoiding Injuries
Staying in the Game, now in its fourth year, educates kids about avoiding bone and joint injuries that often occur during sports and organized play.
“The hospital, local orthopedic practices and community organizations came together as a group to decide how to get information out to young people and do it in a way that keeps their interest,” Stacey says. “That's how we came up with Staying in the Game.”
One of the many local organizations participating in the event is the Lancaster County Department of Parks & Recreation. For its outstanding collaborative efforts during last year's event, the Department and Lancaster General received the Excellence in Programming Award from the Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society.
A Great Opportunity
Tammy Agesen, the Department's Recreation Coordinator, feels that Staying in the Game is important for community organizations. “An event like this, where we have 200 children and their parents attending, lets local organizations work together to meet the goal of getting kids exercising and eating right. It also highlights the free and low-cost programs that are available to them as Lancaster County taxpayers.”
This year’s event will include interactive activities such as a balance challenge, stretching, teambuilding, proper jumping and landing, strength training, and bike and walking safety. Free refreshments and a giveaway are also provided to attendees.
For more information related to this topic: