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Chronic Disease Prevention

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Chronic Diseases, like heart disease, cancer, stroke, or diabetes, affect 3 out of 5 Americans. Chronic Disease Prevention Programs at the YMCA offer both physical and emotional support for those living with a chronic disease. Thanks to many donors, these programs are provided to participants for free or at a low cost, which allows us to help bridge the gap between doctor care and regular life. 

At the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, a supportive community is essential to a healthy mind, body, and spirit. That’s why we are a community partner in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Our programs help educate the community about healthy habits to prevent chronic diseases from taking hold. The YMCA has the equipment and spaces to provide high-quality programs and the YMCA of the USA training allows our staff to become experts in developing healthy habits.

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring

The YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program helps those with high blood pressure lower or better manage their blood pressure by focusing on regular self-monitoring using proper technique, individualized lifestyle behavior change, support from a Healthy Heart Ambassador, and nutrition education for better blood pressure management. 

  • Meet regularly with a Healthy Heart Ambassador 
  • Take your blood pressure at home 
  • Attend Nutrition Seminars 

During this 16 week program, office hours for drop-in appointments will be available.

Diabetes Prevention Program

More than 200 Ys across the country help thousands of people reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes with YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. This small-group program helps people with prediabetes eat healthier, increase their physical activity and lose weight, which can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes has no cure, but prediabetes can be reversed.  

What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. Diabetes affects more than 29 million people. A condition called prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. More than 84 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing diabetes.

Enhance® Fitness

Enhance®Fitness is an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals (particularly those with arthritis) to stay active throughout their lives.

Healthy Weight & Your Child

This program is a lifestyle change intervention to address childhood obesity for children ages 7-13 and their families. This program focuses on healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavior change to empower children to live a healthier and active lifestyle. 

LIVESTRONG® AT THE Y

A small-group program developed and established in partnership with the LIVESTRONG Foundation, assists those who are living with, through, or beyond cancer to strengthen their spirit, mind, and body.  Recent research from the Yale Cancer Center and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute confirmed that LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants experienced improved fitness and quality of life as well as significant decreases in cancer-related fatigue. 

Pedaling for Parkinson’s

Pedaling for Parkinson’s is a research-based indoor group cycling program geared specifically toward individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The classes are led by a Pedaling for Parkinson’s certified coach and provide a monitored and safe exercise option for those individuals affected with PD. They also offer support, community and enhance the exercise experience so the behavior becomes routine and a part of everyday life. The mission of Pedaling for Parkinson’s is: 

  • To improve the quality of life of Parkinson’s disease patients and their caregivers. 
  • To educate patients, caregivers and the general public about the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. 

Community-Integrated Health

Community integrated health is the effort to strengthen the linkages between traditional healthcare and community-based prevention strategies in order to help individuals prevent, delay, or live better with chronic conditions. Benefits: 

  • Increases access to care 
  • Lowers healthcare costs 
  • Prevents and addresses chronic disease 
  • Reduces the effects of some social determinants of health 

Did you know?

86% of healthcare spending in our country is related to chronic disease. We can extend the goals and values of clinical care into community settings—reaching more people with long-term, face-to-face support –when places like the Y and local healthcare systems work together.

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“Prior to breaking my foot, I was attending Enhance® Fitness with Holly. Due to the foot and ankle exercises that we did in that wonderful class, I had no need for physical therapy after my foot healed! Also, in the evenings, I do the foot and ankle exercises that I learned in class, and it relieves my foot pain and neuropathy so I can go back to sleep.“

– Marianne L., Enhance Fitness Participant and YMCA Member