Achieve Balance at the Y!

Serving families has always been at the heart of the Y. With school now back in session, kids (and parents) often find themselves consumed with balancing rigorous schedules. Our desire is to provide opportunities for families to build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life/school balance and stay engaged with each other and their communities.

This school year, The Y wants to make sure that parents and kids have the tools necessary to live a healthy and balanced life. Below are some tips for healthy eating and physical activity:

1. Start your day off with breakfast. Skipping breakfast can make kids feel tired and irritable. Breakfast is a great way to give the body the refuel it needs. Studies show that kids who eat breakfast tend to eat healthier and are more likely to participate in physical activities (Source: www.kidshealth.org).

2. Get active and moving! On average, children and teens spend an estimated seven hours a day engaged in some form of media. This trend has contributed to increased rates of childhood obesity. Studies show that by decreasing screen time and increasing physical activity helps to kids maintain a healthy weight, improve psychological well-being and help kids gain more self-confidence. More importantly, physical activity helps to increase life expectancy rates  (Source: www.medpagetoday.com).

3. Make healthier food choices. Grabbing dinner out or at a fast food restaurant is often easier than cooking at home. Often these foods, although convenient, are loaded with high calories and fat content. Preparing healthy meals in advance is a great way to save money and control what your child consumes.

4. Eat together! Mealtime is a great time to talk to your kids about what’s going on in their lives. In fact, studies show that the more families eat together, the less likely kids are to smoke, drink, use drugs and engage in other negative behaviors. Eating together as a family also helps to promote healthy food choices  (Source: www.time.com)

5. Include physical activities in family time. Our busy schedules often keep us from spending quality time with our families. One of the ways to change this is to plan activities with the entire family. Instead of watching TV, try spending time at the park, going for a walk or participating in a family fun activity at the Y!

Though life can be hectic and unpredictable, one thing remains certain – the Y is, and always will be dedicated to building healthy, confident, secure and connect children, families and communities.

Experience family time at the Y! http://ymcacolumbus.org/family-time

After the Bell...Discover the Y!

This weekend marks the end of summer for most kids as they return to school next week.  After the bell rings at the end of the school day, children and teens need a safe and nurturing place to go until their parents return home from work.  In Ohio, 30 percent of K-12 youth are left unsupervised after 3 p.m. and are responsible for taking care of themselves. As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y offers quality after school programs that not only help youth learn, grow and thrive, but keep them safe and surrounded by caring adults.   

Combining play with academics, the Y’s after school programs fill gaps in schools and in the Central Ohio area by offering enrichment through arts, music, physical education, sports and nutrition. Youth in the YMCA of Central Ohio's after school program receive an educational based curriculum, which includes a school literacy program and homework assistance.  Our programs not only keep children and teens safe but engaged in fun and productive activities.

Studies show that youth who participate in after school programs demonstrate increased school attendance, academic performance and develop skills such as problem-solving, team building, negotiation and critical thinking.  Additionally, after school programs help to reduce achievement gaps among children from disadvantaged households. It’s also a healthy way for children and teens to stay active and productive when the school day ends.

Enroll your child or teen today! ymcacolumbus.org

This Saturday, August 11th has been designated by the global organization, Kids for Peace as a day of kindness.  It’s one day out of the year that kids all over the world are encouraged to perform small acts of kindness.  This year, the YMCA of Central Ohio has joined other organizations around the world to participate in the The Great Kindness Challenge.  Instead of doing just one day, we have decided to dedicate an entire week for our YMCA campers to perform good deeds for others in our community. 

Over the next week leading up to our annual Spirit Day on August 17^th, more than 1,000 Y campers will be performing as many good deeds they can complete within the week.  One of their acts of kindness will be to write notes of gratitude to our military for their service to our country.  The kids that complete 20 or more acts of kindness will be recognized on Spirit Day.

There are many ways for your kids to participate in The Great Kindness Challenge.  It can be as simple as smiling at 25 people, hosting a lemonade stand and donating proceeds to someone in need or even sending a card to a military family.   For a list of more acts of kindness, click here!

If you decide to participate, please be sure to post photos or share stories on our Facebook or Twitter pages.  

Nurturing the Potential of Every Child

Like millions across the country, we have been glued to our television sets watching in anticipation in who will capture the gold.  One of the many raising stars of the 2012 Olympics has been Gabby Douglas. 

Recently, Gabby made history and shattered world records in becoming the first African-American and first woman of color to win the individual all-around champion.  She also became the first American gymnast to win the gold medal in both the individual all-around and team competitions at the same Olympics.  What's most impressive has been her journey to the 2012 Olympics.  At a young age, her mother recognized and nurtured her potential. 

At the YMCA of Central Ohio, we believe that all kids should have the opportunity be active and discover who they are and what they can achieve.  We believe that all kids have great potential and we are committed to helping them achieve their goals and aspirations. Gabby Douglas is an example of just that!  We are proud of her and everyone representing the United States in the 2012 Olympics!

Here is Gabby’s story, we hope that it will inspire you!  Who knows, your child may be a future Olympian.....Go Team USA!

Celebrate the 2012 Olympic Summer Games at the Y!

On Saturday, July 28^th millions around the world will be tuned in to watch the best athletes from 200 countries from around the world compete for the gold! 

Our First Lady Michelle Obama has been selected to lead the U.S. Delegation to the 2012 Olympic Games.  In celebration, she is calling on families across the nation to not only support Team USA in cheering for our athletes, but to get active in our own communities in participating in “Olympic-inspired” events.

Whether it’s gathering friends and family members together to head over to your neighborhood YMCA for a pool relay race, hula-hoop competition or a pick-up game on the basketball court, we just want you to find an activity that inspires you to move and have fun! 

The YMCA of Central Ohio and First Lady Michelle Obama would love to hear what you have planned this weekend so if you follow us on Twitter, use  hashtags #LetsMoveDay and #YCBUS.

You can also share your fun event with us by “Liking” and sharing updates on our Facebook Fan page - YMCA of Central Ohio.  You can also join in on the nationwide discussion by “Liking” and sharing updates on the Let’s Move Facebook Fan page.

Join us in helping our children get active, live healthier lives and strive for excellence like their Olympic heroes!

Go Team USA!!!

Changing Lives at the Y!

In the United States, nearly 26 million individuals are impacted by diabetes and since 2000, the percentage of Ohioans diagnosed with diabetes has increased to 37%. It is estimated that approximately 7 million in the U.S. are currently undiagnosed. Those with diabetes will lose an average of 10 to 15 years of their potential life span and the cost of treating this disease continues to soar to unprecedented heights.

In Ohio, more than 3 million adults have prediabetes, which means a person’s blood glucose (sugar) is higher than normal, but their condition has not evolved into diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented in people with prediabetes through effective lifestyle programs. In Central Ohio, more than 360,000 individuals have been identified for being at risk of prediabetes or diabetes. 

Across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and wellness. At the YMCA of Central Ohio, we believe that in order to bring about meaningful change, individuals need ongoing support. One of the ways we are changing lives is through our YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program. This program helps those at high risk adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which showed that by eating healthier food, increasing physical activity and losing a small amount of weight 5% to 9%, a person with prediabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. 

Since 2010, we have been providing this program at our Y’s and at various employer locations. The year-long program consists of 16 weekly sessions, followed up by monthly sessions in a classroom setting and are facilitated by a lifestyle coach. Participants learn about healthy eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over the course of the program. Topics range from being a fat detective, overcoming stress to increasing motivation to lead a healthier lifestyle.

To date more than 500 individuals have enrolled in the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program. Over 250 participants have successfully completed the program and currently 270 remain actively engaged. On average, participants in the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program have lost 6% of their body weight by the last weekly session and tracked 96 minutes of physical weekly activity.

In 2011, David Leslie participated in an employer health screening event where he had his A1c level tested. The A1c test is a commonly used to identify persons at risk for or diagnose a person with type 2 diabetes. The test is also used to gauge how well an individual is managing their diabetes. Although David was working diligently to improve his eating habits, his test still came back with a score of 5.9, identifying him as a person with prediabetes. Determined to change his fate, David joined the Diabetes Prevention Program at the YMCA of Central Ohio.

Since joining the program, David has learned ways to reduce and eliminate high fat foods from his diet.  Additionally, he has learned how to be consistent about making healthier lifestyle choices. This past May, David had his A1C tested again and for the first time in seven years his A1c was normal and for the first time in 10 years weighed less than 250 pounds. He credits his success to the support he received at the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program.

David is just one of the many success stories of the program. To learn more about the YMCA of Diabetes Prevention Program visit http://ymcacolumbus.org/diabetes.

Caroline Rankin   
Guest Contributor
Director of Government Funding and Diabetes Program
YMCA of Central Ohio

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                  

Safe Summer Splashing!

Are you heading out to the pool this Fourth of July holiday and over the summer months ???  

We want to remind you to practice as many water safety tips as possible.  You can enjoy the benefits of swimming AND make safety a top priority.

Water safety is something we all should be concerned about all year and not just during the summer months.  It only takes a minute or inches of water for a small child to drown, so taking extra steps at home and around pools can help reduce incidents of drowning.

To increase awareness about water safety, the YMCA has partnered up with Pool Safely to provide important tips to help keep your child safe this summer and throughout the year.  Here are helpful tips to keep children safe.

At pools, spas and other recreational waters:

• Never leave a child unattended around a pool, spa, bathtub or any body of water.
• Teach children basic water safety skills.
• Have a telephone close by at all times when visiting a pool or spa.
• If a child is missing, look for them in the pool or spa first, including neighbor’s pools or spas.
• Share safety instructions with family, friends, babysitters and neighbors.

If you have a pool:

• If you have a pool at home, install a 4-foot fence around the perimeter of the pool and spa, including portable pools.
• Install a pool or door alarm.
• Use self-closing and self-latching gates; ask neighbors to do the same if they have pools or spas.
• Have lifesaving equipment such as life rings, floats or a reaching pole available and easily accessible.

At home:

• Always keep a young child within arm’s reach in a bathtub.  If you leave, take the child with you.
• Never leave a baby or youth child in a bathtub under the care of another young child.
• Never leave a bucket or basin containing even a small amount of liquid unattended.  Always empty and store buckets where young children cannot reach them.
• Consider placing locks on toilet seat covers in case a young child wanders into the bathroom.

To learn more about how to keep children safe visit:

http://www.poolsafely.gov/.  To enroll your child in swim lesson visit http://ymcacolumbus.org/swim-lessons.

Happy Independence Day and remember to keep water safety a priority this summer!

Elissa James
Metropolitan Aquatics Director

YMCA of Central Ohio

Guest contributor

Meet the Marlins!

Last week, the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA Marlins swim team made its debut.  It was exciting to witness nine children participate in their first swim meet.  On that day, the kids arrived early to observe how the swim meet was set up, to know what the four swim strokes included and the rules of competitive swimming.

As the Marlins assembled, I noticed that as they interacted with one another, their parents started to join in.  While waiting for their competitive event, the team members played cards and spent time catching up with one another, and discussing their goals for the day.

 

As the start of the meet grew near, swim team staff addressed the teams to let them know that they were expected to do their best and to have fun.  When it came time for the Marlins to compete, we walked with them down to the 

starting blocks and stood, waited for them to take their positions.

The starting time finally came!  We watched with excitement as team members began to swim; the entire pool deck cheering them on.  Parents, staff and members of the team were encouraging each child to stay the course and finish the race.  What touched me the most is how each child completed this event with determination.  When the kids emerged from the pool, the timers and officials greeted them with smiles and high fives, letting the team know they did a great job.

Although our Marlins came in last at their first meet, it was great to see the excitement and determination each child displayed during the tournament.  It was also inspiring to see the encouragement from the parents, staff and the other teams.

At the YMCA of Central Ohio, we are committed to helping children be safe around water and feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning something new.  Through swimming, children can learn skills that can encourage lifelong habits to lead a healthier lifestyle.  They can also learn discipline, increase self-confidence and develop problem-solving skills which can translate into successes in the classroom.  Activities like swimming can also teach our youth positive sportsmanship, teamwork and respect for others.

To learn how your child can be a part of a YMCA swim team or learn to swim, please visit ymcacolumbus.org.

Yours in Y Spirit,

Kim L. Jordan  
Vice President, District Operations 
Eldon and Elsie Ward Family YMCA

Celebrating and Supporting Fathers!

More than a century ago, Sonora Louis Smart Dodd aspired to create a holiday to honor fathers.  The daughter of a single father and Civil War veteran was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon she heard in church and wondered why there was no holiday to honor fathers.  After securing support from ministers in Spokane, Washington, her idea came to fruition on June 19, 1910.

On Sunday, June 17, the YMCA of Central Ohio joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the impact father and adult male role models make in children’s lives.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one out of three children lives in a home without a biological father.  Additionally, societal factors such as unemployment, work-life balance or lack of resources can affect a father’s ability to adequately provide support for their family and be more fully engaged in the lives of their children.

Studies show that children with close relationships with their fathers and other adult male role models have more self-confidence and exhibit less depression, perform better academically and engage in significantly less drug and alcohol use. 

The YMCA of Central Ohio believes that family bonds are a foundation of strong communities, and we work to help all families feel confident, connected and secure.  The Y offers a variety of resources for fathers to involve themselves in the well-being and development of their children.  We offer a number of fun, family focused activities such as Family Camp, Family Nights, and Family Wellness Programs to help build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance, and become more engaged with their communities.

There is nothing more special or important than my role as a father.  Being able to spend time with my family is one of the highlights of my day.  There is no substitute for spending time with my children during family dinner or attending their sporting events.  As I reflect on this day, I am reminded of the impact my father had on me.  When I was 14 years old, my father passed away at the age of 60 due to a preventable illness – heart disease.  As a proud father, there is nothing more important than for me to be in good health. 

In a recent article published by WebMD, the top five health concerns for men are heart disease, stroke, suicide resulting from depression, lung cancer and prostate cancer.  Many of the top causes for death are preventable, and can be treated, if detected early.

As you think about Father’s Day gifts, I ask that you consider the YMCA of Central Ohio in celebrating this day.  There is no greater gift than good health.  The Y provides opportunities for men and fathers to manage and prevent chronic disease to help them live a balanced, healthy and happy life.  I encourage you to visit our website ymcacolumbus.org to find out how we are helping men, women, children and families be happy, healthy and connected. 

Happy Father’s Day!

Yours in Y spirit,

Andrew A. Roberts

President 

YMCA of Central Ohio

Building Future Leaders

Graduation marks a very important and transitional time for many young people.  For some graduates, it is the beginning of a new and exciting journey.  For others they are the first graduates in their family.  Our youth face challenges in today’s world and through the YMCA Leaders Club program, we provide the building blocks to help them be successful and contributing members of their communities.

At the Y, we believe that you are never too young to lead.  The YMCA of Central Ohio is committed to nurturing the potential of every child.  Through the YMCA Leaders Club, we help teens gain the necessary skills and experience to guide them to be healthy, happy and connected adults.

Founded in 1885, Leaders Club has been instrumental in helping young people across the nation become future leaders in their communities.  Building upon the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, we provide opportunities for youth to develop skills in Leadership Development, Service to Others, Social Development and Personal Growth. 

The YMCA Leaders Club program is designed for 6 through 12th graders and provides opportunities them to meet new people, build relationships, learn valuable skills and to get involved in the community. 

One of our members, Benjamin “Frankie” White was involved in the YMCA Leaders Club since he was in seventh grade.  During his involvement, he has been able to make life long friends and lasting memories.  Most recently, Frankie completed his first year at St. John’s University, majoring in Sports Management.  He credits the YMCA Leaders Club for being a major influence in his life.  For the past two summers, Frankie has served as a YMCA camp counselor.  In fact, Frankie became the first Gahanna YMCA Leaders Club participant from the program to be employed at the Gahanna/John E. Bickley YMCA.

Virgil Hughes is a current YMCA Leader Club participant.  He has been actively involved in the program for the past 4 years.  Last year, Virgil was asked to speak at the Gahanna YMCA 2011 People Helping People annual breakfast. Currently, Vigil is an honor roll student at Gahanna Lincoln High School and a dedicated volunteer in his community.  Virgil credits his involvement in the YMCA Leaders Club for shaping his path toward leadership.  Although he is sad that this will be his last year in the program, he vows to remain actively involved in his community and with the Y.

These are just a few examples of how the YMCA Leaders Club has made a positive impact on our youth.  At the YMCA of Central Ohio we are believe that there are no throw away kids, but all kids are of promise. 

As graduates embark on the next chapter in their lives we hope that their YMCA Leaders Club experience has given them the skills and experience that will help them be strong leaders in their community. 

Congratulations to the 2012 graduates!

To learn more about YMCA Leaders Club visit: http://ymcacolumbus.org/education-leadership