SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – One of Savannah’s most anticipated children’s events, the Kids Fit Festiva, has returned for its 10th annual show at the Savannah Children’s Museum.

Hundreds of children and their families have come together for a day that aims to get kids moving and instilling healthy lifestyle choices from an early age.

“The recommendation is 60 minutes of play a day, it’s child’s work to stay healthy. It doesn’t have to be organized, it doesn’t have to be organized sports, it can be jumping rope, it can be a hula hoop, it can be running around climbing trees, it can be anything that moves and plays for an hour a day,” said Kathryn Campbell, president of Fit. Savannah Junior League Kids Fest.

According to a 2021 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity soared to more than 22% in the first year of the pandemic alone, from just 19% in 2019.

An alarming increase which health experts say could lead to health complications down the road.

“Unfortunately, overweight and obesity are prevalent among children these days, even the youngest ones,” Campbell said. “By moving more, balancing what you do with what you eat and drink, making good choices, these negative health effects can be minimized, whether it’s blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. .”

Over the past two years, many children have found it difficult to be able to get outside for the recommended 60 minutes a day. Making it difficult for kids like 11-year-old Cason Reynolds, who would rather spend his days running around with his friends, than being locked inside the house.

“When the pandemic hit it, it crushed my whole world like going out, but I mean, when I started doing more things like running, it really helped me a lot,” Reynolds said.