On February 11, 2019, The YMCA of the Blue Water Area will begin offering LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a research-based physical activity and well being initiative that helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals. The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is available to cancer survivors in the Blue Water Area and will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:30 PM. During this pilot program participants can select either day but are encouraged to participate in both. The program is offered for free to both Y members and the general community. “Research shows exercise is the simplest way for cancer survivors to reduce fatigue, improve their mood and bounce back from the debilitating effects of cancer treatment more quickly,” said Greg Lee, President and CEO of the LIVESTRONG® Foundation. “But there weren’t enough programs to help people affected by cancer reach their health and well-being goals, so LIVESTRONG and the Y joined forces to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. The Y is the perfect collaborator because of its national reach, commitment to meeting the needs of all community members and history of program innovation in support of health and wellness.” As part of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, the Y engages cancer survivors through an approach that focuses on the whole person. Participants work with trained Y staff to build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. In addition to physical benefits, the program also focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors by providing a supportive community environment where people affected by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. “We are excited to collaborate with LIVESTRONG to offer those who have been diagnosed with cancer the support they need to build both emotional and physical strength,” said Jenny McElwain, Healthy Living Program Director for the YMCA. “With a mission centered on
balance, the Y strives to be a leading voice on health and well-being for our community by providing resources and guidance so that all people, no matter what their circumstance, can achieve greater health and well-being in spirit, mind and body.” LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is part of a multi-year collaboration between YMCA of the USA, the
national resource office for the Y, and the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the organization created to serve people living with cancer and empower communities to take action. The foundation is a leader in the global movement on behalf of 32 million people around the world living with cancer today. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, launched in 2008, is designed to improve the health and day-to-day quality of life for the country’s growing population of cancer survivors and their families. To date, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is offered at over 375 Ys around the
country, and more than 25,000 cancer survivors have participated in the program nationwide. For more information contact Jenny McElwain at (810) 987-6400, ext. 117 or jmcelwain@bluewaterymca.com.
