MANCHESTER, NH – AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire, a Medicaid health plan, and The Granite YMCA hosted a special health education program in Manchester to teach more than 100 elementary and middle school students about the benefits of exercise and a healthy diet. The students participated in Healthy Hoops®, a program that combines basketball drills and health and wellness workshops.
Healthy Hoops® is an AmeriHealth Caritas signature program where children have the opportunity to participate in basketball and other fun activities while attending health workshops on managing asthma, preventing obesity, adopting healthy lifestyles to avoid diabetes and the dangers of vaping.
“Healthy Hoops shows children and teens how they can live a healthier life through good nutrition, physical activity, and avoiding asthma triggers like vaping,” said AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire Market President Bill Keena. “Empowering them with accurate information will help them get the most out of their summer break and set them up for success when they return to school in the fall.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire for bringing their Healthy Hoops event to The Granite YMCA of Manchester,” said Michele Sheppard, CEO of The Granite YMCA. “This day was about getting our campers, ages 5-12 years old, active by learning basketball skills from seasoned coaches and mentors, along with empowering them with knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives. Through engaging education around vaping and asthma awareness, our youth members gained critical skills both on and off the court. Events like this have a truly lasting impact on our community. Showcasing the sport of basketball, invented at the YMCA, offers an even more meaningful experience.”