PHD (Physical, Healthy and Driven)

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PHD (Physical, Healthy and Driven)

PHD - A Wellness Program for Kids

The YMCA's nationally renowned PHD (Physical, Healthy and Driven) program is teaching kids how to stay healthy for life. Using a unique combination of assessment tools, fun games and exercises, nutrition education, and family involvement, PHD is helping local children from ages 6-14 get active and be well. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 70 percent of D.C. children do not meet recommended levels of physical activity; and one out of four children in the metropolitan Washington region is either overweight or obese. PHD was created by the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington to address this pressing health epidemic of childhood obesity. Since its launch in 2004, the program has grown to serve nearly 18,000 children every year.

PHD Components

Assessment: Basic health measures - blood pressure, body fat composition, muscular strength and endurance, cardio fitness, and flexibility - are evaluated throughout the program

Exercise: Using everything from old-school playground games to innovative new equipment, PHD gets every kid moving.

Nutrition: Visual aids and creative lessons are used to teach kids about beneficial and harmful foods.

Family: PHD encourages the whole family to get involved using a wellness newsletter featuring healthy recipes, fitness tips and family activities.

PHD on the Move

There is no better way to get kids moving than by parking a playground in their front yards. The PHD on the Move Van allows the YMCA to bring opportunities for healthy play and wellness education right to the doorsteps of local children.

The PHD on the Move Van is the region's first traveling playground and was made possible by a unique partnership between the YMCA and CareFirst. The primary goal of the van is to broaden the impact of the YMCA's PHD program by serving more children, especially those in urban neighborhoods lacking places to play.

PHD On the Move features: wellness assessment stations, nutrition corner, exciting games and activities, playground equipment, family education materials and children's wellness experts.