The Alliance of New York State YMCAs supports a host of Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Programs across the state.
By offering programs that promote wellness and manage chronic diseases such as hypertension, arthritis, diabetes and cancer, the YMCA aims to improve the nation’s health and well-being, reduce risk for disease and help individuals reclaim their health.
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program
To learn more about a Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Program at a YMCA near you, contact Martha Petteys, director of Healthy Living at mpetteys@ymcanys.org
According to 2017 statistics from the National Cancer Institute, nearly 16 million Americans have cancer. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is an evidence-based program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a small-group physical activity and well-being program which meets at the YMCA twice a week for 12 weeks for 90 minutes each session. Participating YMCAs create a welcoming community in which cancer survivors can improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships, and improve their quality of life.
Since 2007, the LIVESTRONG® Foundation has been Y-USA’s partner in developing and delivering LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. The program offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve such goals as:
- building muscle mass and strength
- increasing flexibility and endurance
- improving balance
- improving confidence and self-esteem
- improving emotional wellbeing of survivors and their families
- connecting with other survivors during treatment and beyond
Ys that offer LIVESTRONG at the YMCA become a place of support for cancer survivors who want to gain or reclaim health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis by implementing promising approaches to support cancer survivors.