What Are Healthy Living Programs?
They are low or no-cost evidence-based programs that help adults prevent the onset of a chronic conditions or diseases. They can also help adults with a chronic disease learn how to manage and improve their health. Programs include interactive activities that promote healthy and active lifestyles and focus on common problems individuals may deal with everyday. These programs aim to improve your quality of life while reducing helping reduce health care costs by preventing or minimizing the effects of a disease.
For more information or to register for a Healthy Living program please contact the Director of Healthy Living, Lauren Wilson, laurenw@ymcaavery.org.
YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 80 million adults have high blood pressure in this country. Less than half have it under control. The YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program encourages participants to track their blood pressure at least once a week while making manageable lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure. Participants meet with a Heart Healthy Ambassador to monitor their progress, ask questions, and learn about healthy changes they can make to their diet.
This 16-week program includes support from trained Heart Healthy Ambassadors, Nutrition Seminars, and other materials to make tracking your blood pressure easier.
Due to COVID-19 all Nutrition Seminars will be offered virtually, contact your Heart Healthy Ambassador for more information.
Where: Williams YMCA of Avery County’s Blackburn Athletic Facility
When: Monday Mornings; 9:30 – 10:30 am
Who: Adults who have been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure and have not had a recent cardiac event in the past 6 months.
Cost: Offered at no cost upon registration. Blood Pressure Cuffs are available upon request for $25 per participant.
Delay the Disease™ – Parkinson’s Program
Each class coordinates movement, flexibility, strength, balance and, cardio fitness designed specifically for those with Parkinson’s Disease. Group encouragement and support sets this program apart from standard workout routines. Taught by trained instructors, this program has helped participants delay the onset of signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
Where: Group Exercise Suite
When: Tuesday and Thursdays; 11:00-12:00 pm
Who: Anyone diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease
Cost: No cost upon registration
“The Delay the Disease program for Parkinson’s Patients.. simply great ….the inclusiveness of your program is more than I expected…..you have addressed both the physical and cognitive issues that we Parkinson patients face.”
Enhance®Fitness
A proven arthritis management program focused on fitness. Helping older adults become more active, energized, and empowered for independent living. The program focuses on cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance which could help reduce the severity of arthritis symptoms in a group that is supportive and understanding – a vital part of anyone’s health and well-being. Enhance®Fitness has been nationally recognized by the CDC, Department of Health & Human Services, Department on Aging, and the National Council on Aging.
Where: Healthy Living Room
Due to COVID-19 this program is currently being offered virtually
When: Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays; 10:00 – 11:00 am
Who: Anyone who has been diagnosed with arthritis or other mobility limitations
Cost: $40 for YMCA Members $60 for Non-YMCA Members
“I wanted to express my appreciation to the Enhance Fitness program for giving back my confidence to participate and enjoy physical activity that has improved my posture, balance, and overall wellbeing.”
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA
Helping adult cancer survivors improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, and develop supportive relationships to improve their quality of life. This program creates a welcoming community in which survivors can reclaim their health and well-being at their own pace.
This small-group, 12-week evidence-based program contains two 90-minute sessions per week. Instructors are trained in cancer survivorship, post-rehabilitation exercise and supportive cancer care. Recent research from the Yale Cancer Center and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute confirmed that LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants experience improved fitness and quality of life and significant decreases in cancer-related fatigue.
Due to COVID-19 virtual and distance options will be coming soon
Where: Wellness Center and Healthy Living Room
When: Dates and Times vary, please contact the Director of Healthy Living for the next scheduled program
Who: Adult Cancer Survivors. We consider someone a Survivor from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment, after treatment and everything in between.
Cost: Offered at no cost upon registration
” I was skeptical of participating as I was very ill. With a little coaxing from Y staff I signed up. From day 1 till the last day, the program concentrated on my wellbeing. The Staff at the Y stepped up to fill the voids and the loss I suffered.”
Group Facilitated Programs
YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps adults reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by taking steps that will improve their overall health and well-being. Through group discussions facilitated by a trained Lifestyle Coach, participants work to lose weight and increase their physical activity over the course of 25, 60-minute sessions. Research by the National Institutes of Health has shown that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58%, and 71% in adults over the age of 60. The program meets the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) diabetes prevention recognition program standards.
Where: Offered virtually through the Williams YMCA of Avery County
When: Dates and Times vary, please contact the Director of Healthy Living for the next scheduled program date
Who: Adults who have been diagnosed with Pre-diabetes or meet the qualification criteria
Cost: Offered at low or no cost upon registration
YMCA’s Weight Loss Program
This class is for anyone who wants to lose weight through small lifestyle changes. Through group discussions and activities participants set goals that fit their needs.
Where: Offered virtually through the Williams YMCA of Avery County
When: Tuesday Evenings; 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Who: Adults 18 years or older
Cost: $99 Members $120 Non-Members
Walk With Ease
This Arthritis Foundation program is for anyone with any form of Arthritis who wants to be more active. If you can stand for 10 minutes or longer, you can be successful in this program! Each group is led by trained instructor who is certified by the Arthritis Foundation to encourage and aid participants as they put together their own walking plans and goals.
Due to Covid-19 virtual and distance options will be available soon.
Where: Williams YMCA of Avery County
When: Dates and Times vary, please contact the Director of Healthy Living for the next scheduled program date.
Who: Any adult who has arthritis and wants to be more active
Cost: $50 Members $75 Non-Members
