Getting regular activity is important to the physical and mental health of kids and adults. Eugene Pediatric Associates is pleased to offer a new program to the community called Runs with Ross. These are weekly meet-ups on Saturdays at Alton Baker Park, led by me and fellow providers at Eugene Pediatrics and Thrive Behavioral Health.

During Runs with Ross, we talk with children and families about the importance of exercise and healthy snacking. Kids can rack up miles to earn exciting prizes. And, we have a lot of fun in the process!

Runs with Ross was born out of my personal love for running, which began in middle school. I’m a fan of the adage "If you can't run fast, just run far," and I enjoy racing competitively, from marathons to 50K runs. While in residency, I joined a community program designed to combat pediatric obesity by engaging kids in weekly running groups and activities, providing them a safe place to be active and to have fun. That’s what Runs With Ross is all about, and I’m excited to now offer it to families in our community.

Benefits of physical activity

Regular exercise is vital for a child’s development, and it lays the foundation for a healthy and active life. The benefits include:

·       Helping to achieve and maintain a healthy weight

·       Building strong bones and muscles

·       Improving balance, coordination and strength

·       Growing confidence and self-esteem

·       Relieving stress

·       Providing opportunities to develop social skills and make friends

All ages, abilities and fitness levels are welcome to attend our Runs with Ross events. Learn more at RunsWithRoss.com and stay apprised of our latest meeting schedule by following Eugene Pediatric Associates on Facebook.

All participants must complete a registration form and waiver before running. Please arrive a few minutes early to complete the forms on the day of your or your child's first run. Legal guardians must sign for children under 18 years of age.

by Ross Newman, M.D.

Eugene Pediatric Associates