Bicycle Coalition and CHOP Presenting Family Fest At Eakins Oval

Family Fest, a free health and wellness fair from Safe Routes Philly (SRP) and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Healthy Weight Program (HWP), is taking place Saturday, September 10th at Eakins Oval. The fair presents in one place a wide spectrum of information, education and activities for families interested in wellness, nutrition, and active transportation.

Family Fest is organized by Safe Routes Philly, an educational program of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the School District of Philadelphia, and the Food Trust are also participating in the event. Activities include a bicycle rodeo for children, fitness and yoga classes, healthy cooking demonstrations, and a treasure hunt.

“Many community organizations and agencies in Philadelphia are starting to make physical activity a priority in their mission,” said Bicycle Coalition program director Diana Owens. “We at Safe Routes Philly are excited to get so many of them in one place. Our message is not a new one. We promote walking and biking as fun, healthy forms of transportation, and that active transportation message is taking root all across the country.” 

“Partnering with a group encouraging safe, active children strongly supports the mission of the Healthy Weight Program. We promote at least one hour of daily physical activity for children’s weight management,” said Jennifer Fassbender, program director of the Healthy Weight Program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Adoption of physical activity is critical to long term health and maintenance of a healthy weight.”  

Family Fest marks the beginning of a series of initiatives taking place this upcoming school year aimed at improving health in Philadelphia public schools. Safe Routes Philly will be starting its second year of providing pedestrian and bicycle safety lessons at no cost to Philadelphia elementary schools. Safe Routes Philly is also launching a website to facilitate school participation in October’s Walk To School Month. Safe Routes Philly is made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. 

Family Fest is part of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Get Healthy Philly, made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. Get Healthy Philly aims to improve access and affordability of healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity.  For more information, visit www.phila.gov/health. 

About the Healthy Weight Program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 

Childhood obesity in the United States has been increasing at alarming rates. The story is no different in the Philadelphia area. As a comprehensive pediatric healthcare network with facilities throughout the tri-state area, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia delivers care to many of these children, and The Healthy Weight Program has been designed to address this issue by improving the health and quality of life of children with excess weight by delivering excellent clinical care, by engaging families in making healthy lifestyle changes, and by supporting education and building partnerships. The program is comprised of a diverse team of clinicians with expert knowledge in the evaluation of childhood obesity, as well as in coordinating care for children with medical issues related to their obesity.   

Photo opportunities will be available at Eakins Oval from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 10th, 2011.