Lansdale Charity Hosts Event To Make Kids 'Media Smart'

One Lansdale charity is working hard to make children more aware of the influence of media - news, television, movies, video games, and more - on youth lifestyle and habits.

BAPS Charities held their fourth annual Children’s Health & Safety Day on Sunday July 19th, 2015.

The event’s theme focused on the increasing influence of media on youth lifestyle and habits, and provided them with knowledge and tools to use technology wisely.

The goal of the event was to help local youth become “media smart” as they navigate what is healthy and unhealthy, ultimately getting them to “eat, think, and be active.”

“Through events like this, children are directly impacted,” said Dr. Hari Amin, a panelist for the event. Not only do they go home and start practicing what they learned, but they work on these things as a family – that’s what is most important.”

In addition to supporting First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign and the We CAN! initiative which the program focused on in 2013, this year’s Children’s Health & Safety Day supported the National Institute of Health’s Media Smart Youth campaign.

The theme incorporated different learning workshops, scenario-based simulations, and motivated the youth to engage in conversations with firemen, police officers, doctors and other professionals they may have once misunderstood.

The curriculum throughout the day allowed the youth to understand how the media plays a major role in shaping their values about nutrition and physical activities.

Through interactive sessions they were also encouraged to think critically and make healthy lifestyle choices.

Highlights of the event included a visit from JeffStat helicopter, emergency education from Souderton & Telford Fire Companies, Hatfield Police Department, interactive workshops, and other presentations throughout the day.

The event also gave attendees the unique opportunity to participate and engage in activities as well as other fun, educational sessions that incorporate the necessity of safe and healthy lifestyle.

Over 170 youth, parents, and caretakers participated in the event, along with 55 volunteers and health and safety professionals.

In 2015, the local BAPS is one of twenty five participating centers in North America to partake in this program.

For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, please visit www.bapscharities.org