March is National Nutrition Month and a time to focus on prevention. At the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, healthy living isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about building sustainable habits that families can maintain together.
One program specifically designed for families is Actively Changing Together (ACT!).
What is Actively Changing Together?
ACT! is a 13-week virtual and in-person learning program developed in partnership with MultiCare Health Systems and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
The program is designed for children ages 8-14 and their parents or caregivers. It focuses on practical, everyday habits related to nutrition, physical activity, and overall lifestyle. The goal is simple: help families make realistic changes they can maintain.
Families meet once a week for a 2 hour group session over the course of 13 weeks. Sessions include interactive games and activities that keep kids engaged while providing clear guidance for parents. Specially trained Y staff offer support around eating well, moving more, and reducing the risk of health conditions associated with excess weight.
What makes ACT! different is its family approach. Instead of singling out a child, the program helps the entire household build healthier routines together.
Who Can Participate?
Participation requires a referral from a medical provider. The YMCA accepts referrals from:
- Primary care providers
- Specialists
- Nursing staff
- Registered dietitians
- School nurses
- Physical therapists
This referral process ensures families receive coordinated support alongside their healthcare team.
Support for Every Stage of the Health Journey
ACT! is one of several programs at the Y designed to support chronic disease prevention and healthy habit formation.
For adults looking for structured support, the YMCA Weight Loss Program offers small-group coaching, goal setting, and accountability in a supportive environment. The program focuses on sustainable behavior change rather than short-term dieting.
Individuals diagnosed with prediabetes or at high risk for Type 2 diabetes, the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program, Prevent T2 offers a year-long, evidence-based approach to lowering risk. Participants meet in small groups to build healthier eating and activity habits that support gradual, sustainable change.
For those managing high blood pressure, the YMCA Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program is a four-month education program focused on heart health. Participants learn how to measure and track their blood pressure, understand how nutrition affects readings, and build habits that support long-term management.
Members can also access tools like the Y360 app, which provides on-demand workouts, wellness resources, and healthy living content that families can use at home.
For those who prefer hands-on learning, culinary arts and cooking programs at local Y centers help participants build confidence in the kitchen. Learning how to prepare balanced meals is one of the most practical ways families can improve long-term health outcomes.
Prevention Starts at Home
Research continues to show that habits built in childhood often carry into adulthood. When families learn together, they’re more likely to maintain those long habits long term.
Health doesn’t change overnight. It changes through consistent meals, regular movement, and supportive environments. That’s the approach behind Actively Changing Together at the YMCA.
If your child’s medical provider believes ACT! may be a good fit, ask about a referral. Healthy change works best when it happens together.