By GAYLE WEBER

gweber@dailynews.net

Running, climbing, jumping rope.

The children at the Hays Public Library's story hour Tuesday night knew those three activities made them healthy.

Even 6-year-old Kiandra Merriman's walk from Computer 6 to the story room in the library could be considered exercise, according to Kyla Blazek, who read to the children Tuesday.

Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Week is focusing on children's health this week in an effort to curb childhood obesity.

"If we can kind of get it in their head early, not necessarily to be healthy, but that it can be fun when you do it, it will help," Blazek said.

According to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, nearly one in three children under 18 are obese or overweight.

Blazek, a wellness specialist and trainer at the Center for Health Improvement, read "Bear Feels Sick" by Karma Wilson to emphasize the importance of staying healthy. The book was chosen by the state librarian, and each child got to take a copy home.

A couple of songs and games kept the small group of children active both physically and mentally between stories.

Blazek said she tries to be an example for her own children, Cooper, 3, and Macey, 2.

"We'll be out for a walk, and Cooper will say, 'I want to get out of the stroller. I want to get my workout in,' " Blazek said.

She said riding bikes with her children and just playing outdoors whenever possible are two ways she keeps her children moving. But there is more to staying healthy than just exercise.

"We talk about sleep being healthy, eating being healthy and exercising their muscles so they can be big and strong," Blazek said.

Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Week continues this week with Children's Department Librarian Norleen Knoll traveling to local day cares to share the state's message.