Swim UP! at the Y

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14 years.  For African American children the rate is 3.1 times higher than white children. 

In an effort to address this disturbing trend, we recently launched a new partnership with Columbus City Schools to teach third graders how to swim. The new program, Swim UP!, not only teaches youngsters how to swim, but nurtures their potential, builds self-esteem and confidence.  

The first school to participate in Swim UP! is Windsor STEM K-6 Academy.  Currently, the school is on academic emergency and it is our hope that the skills these children learn will be transferred into the classroom and lead to improved academic performance. 

The classes will take place at the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA and will until run through May 24, 2012.  

Here is a glimpse of the students first day at Swim UP!

  

Everyone has a story...Meet Maryanne!

In 2011, Maryanne was diagnosed with cancer.  At the advice of her doctor, she joined the Y to increase strength and regain energy during her chemotherapy treatments.  Through the support of her personal trainer and other Y staff, she improved her endurance and gained a brighter outlook on her future.  

The YMCA of Central Ohio is in the running to bring LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA to our community.  This FREE 12 week program will provide additional support to individuals like Maryanne, who have been affected by cancer and are seeking to reach their holistic health goals.

The online voting campaign to bring LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA to our Y ended on March 23, 2012.  Thank you for your vote and for helping us support cancer survivors in our community.  We will keep you posted on the results!

Now Meet Maryanne....

Thank you for helping us strengthen our community!

Everyone has a story...Meet Frank!

Diagnosed with cancer in 2011, Frank decided to join the YMCA to help him regain strength and to improve his overall health.  At the Y, he discovered that he was not alone.  Frank found a small community of support during his cancer journey. 

The YMCA of Central Ohio is seeking to bring LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA to our community.  This FREE 12 week program will provide additional support to individuals like Frank, who have been affected by cancer and are seeking to reach their holistic health goals.

In order to bring this program to our Y, we need your vote.  Voting is easy and it’s just one vote per email! To cast your vote TODAY, visit:  ymcacolumbus.org/vote.  Voting for LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA will go through March 23, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. EST. 

Now meet Frank:

Thank you for helping us strengthen our community!

LIVESTRONG® + YMCA of Central Ohio = Support to cancer survivors in our community!

We have all known someone who has been touched by cancer. The reality is that cancer affects individuals from all walks of life.  According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.6 million people in the U.S. have cancer.  In Ohio, nearly 70,000 have been diagnosed with the disease causing them to experience fatigue, loss of physical strength, depression and at times feeling isolated in their journey.  Research has shown that physical activity after cancer treatments can help individuals increase physical strength and improve their outlook.  

In neighborhoods throughout Central Ohio, including Franklin, Delaware and Pickaway counties, the Y is a leading force on health and well-being. At the Y practicing and supporting healthy lifestyles means more than just simply being active.  It's about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. 

One of our members, Maryanne Johnston found support through her cancer journey at the Y.  Diagnosed in 2011, Maryanne joined the Grove City YMCA at the advice of her doctor to exercise. The support Maryanne received helped her not only heal physically but helped her strengthen emotionally.  Today, she is cancer free and keeps up her routine of exercise through working out and walking at the Y.

Most recently, the YMCA of Central Ohio was selected to participate in a LIVESTRONG® Community Impact Project, an online voting campaign called LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA . This FREE 12 week, small group program is designed for adult cancer survivors.  The program helps to provide support to the increasing number of cancer survivors who find themselves in the transitional period between completing their cancer treatment and the shift to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to return to their normal life or their "new normal."

The goal of LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA is to provide support for individuals seeking to improve muscle mass, muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve functional ability.  In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants a supportive environment and a feeling of community with their fellow survivors, YMCA staff and members.

If we receive the highest number of votes in our region, we will move forward to bring this exciting support program to cancer survivors in our community.  Currently, the YMCA of Central Ohio is among hundreds of organizations nationwide and the only Y in the state of Ohio in the running for this award.  

Your vote is critical and we need your help in getting the word out to your friends, family and the community to vote for us.

Voting for LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA will go through March 23, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. EST.  Voting is easy and it’s just one vote per email! To cast your vote TODAY, visit:  ymcacolumbus.org/vote

Thank you for helping us strengthen our community!

Yours in Y spirit,

Andrew A. Roberts

President

YMCA of Central Ohio

Rediscover Yourself at the Y!

By now, you may be among those who have stopped working out and have given up on your New Year resolutions.  According to statistics – many falter on their resolutions within the first few weeks of the New Year. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 20% of these individuals go back to their former practices and eventually give up on their goals within the month. 

There are a number of reasons why some people are not able to keep their goals.  One of the biggest obstacles to success is the inability to set realistic goals and to be accountable for not following through.  One of the ways we empower our members is through creating small communities of support.  Often when members walk into the Y, it’s the first day of a new journey.   That's why we're here with you every day, making sure that you have the resources and you need to learn, grow and thrive.  

With the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility guiding us, we work with you every day to help you realize your potential and meet your goals.  Deeply rooted in your community, our movement is made up of people of all ages, faiths, abilities, all working side-by-side to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, income, background, has the opportunity to live life to its fullest.

So as you renew your mind, body and spirit – consider the Y.  Become a part of a community committed to help you stay on track with meeting your goals.

Join us at the Y – we are here for YOU!  To find a location near you, visit:www.ymcacolumbus.org