Mayor Kim Bracey admits she indulges in her favorite foods from time to time and they aren't always the healthiest.

But healthy food choices are important to the mayor and were the focus of a press conference on Thursday as she urged residents to follow first lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative.

The initiative encourages youth and adults to participate in physical activity and create a healthy lifestyle, Bracey explained.

"The schools are doing all they can to keep students active," Bracey said. "We're trying to combat unhealthy meal choices with the fitness."

Increasing physical activity can be as simple as jogging, walking, dancing or riding a bike at least five to six times a week, the mayor said.

Local events: In conjunction with the national Let's Move initiative, York is launching Women's Week Out and Bike in York Week in May, said Shaun Underkoffler, York city's community health program coordinator.

For the fourth year in a row, the York YMCA is organizing Women's Week Out: Buddy Up for Health, from May 14 to 17 for National Women's Health month. Women can attend free fitness classes at the YMCA from May 14 to 16 by preregistering through Tamara Ramer at 845-6532. To wrap up the event, a dinner and presentation on women's health issues will be held at the Valencia Ballroom on the evening of Thursday, May 17.

Underkoffler also highlighted Bike in York Week, happening the week of May 14 to 19. Yorkers are encouraged to bicycle using permanent and temporary routes set up around the city. Bike in York Week is held in conjunction with National Bike to Work week, he said.

Bike in York Week will have a final celebration with a ride starting and finishing at Sovereign Bank Stadium from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 19.

-- Reach Chelsea Shank at 505-5432 or cshank@yorkdispatch.com.