On Thursday, June 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. the Salah M. Hassanein Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, 21-12 30th Rd., Astoria, will hold an event titled “Eating Healthy for Families”. Families and health authorities are increasingly concerned about the growing number of health-related problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure. In part due to long work schedules, increased stress, rising costs of sports and fitness activities, increased technology and media use, parents and youth are less physically active than in previous generations. As a result, these sedentary lifestyles are decreasing the quality of life and life expectancy.

There is an alarming reality of the effects that malnutrition has on the lives of children and on adults. Healthy eating is out of reach within communities that are not well established. Local eateries offer quick, inexpensive foods that are unhealthy. Experts in the field from top universities, fitness centers and organizations will be joining Variety Boys and Girls Club staff and members for an afternoon of interactive presentations on nutrition.

The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens offers recreational and educational activities: swimming, basketball, performing arts, drama, computer, homework assistance, arts and crafts, teen center, and game rooms for youths ages 6 to 17 Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 718-728-0946 or visit www.vbgcq.org.