LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA will be available in Deerfield Township this fall
In September, Countryside YMCA | Landen 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. This program is available to cancer survivors in the Warren County community, and will be offered September 1 to November 19 on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 10:30am – Noon at the Landen branch of Countryside YMCA. This program is free, and you do not need to be a member of the YMCA to participate in this program.
Exercise is important for cancer survivors
"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.
Providing Emotion Support to Cancer Survivors
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.
Program Modifications due to COVID-19
The Y is modifying the program to maintain safety and reduce exposure to COVID-19. “When you come to LIVESTRONG®at the YMCA, we want you to feel safe and cared for so we are adapting the program to make it as safe as possible,” said Jasmine Lee, one of the YMCA staff program coordinators.
Here are the adaptations the YMCA is making:
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Class size will be limited to six or fewer participants to limit exposure.
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All YMCA staff members are required to wear masks and all YMCA staff will be temperature checked each day. Staff with a temperature of 100 or who are showing signs of illness will be asked to leave.
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Participants will maintain six foot distancing with activities and equipment space.
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Staff members will clean equipment with disinfectants and tag equipment as “ready for use.”
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Sanitizer will be provided for participants to clean equipment as desired.
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Hand sanitizer will be available for participants to use as desired throughout the class.
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Participants will only be using three spaces in the facility to reduce exposure: the multipurpose room, cardio machines, and weight machines.
“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 Zach McCollum, Countryside YMCA Executive Program Director. “By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer 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.
To register or ask additional questions check here, or contact Jasmine Lee at jasmine.lee@ymcastaff.org or 513.932.1424 ext. 140.
About Countryside YMCA
Since 1978, Countryside YMCA has embodied the Christian principles that welcome everyone in an environment where people of all ages can achieve a balance of spirit, mind and body. Located on a beautiful 126-acre property, Countryside YMCA is one of the world's largest YMCAs offering eight pools, five gymnasiums, two indoor tracks, a rock climbing wall, a 13,000 square ft. cardio/ weight room, the Arts Center, Stolle Center for active seniors, the Motion Zone for active youth, a wide range of exercise, sports, and creative expression classes, disc golf, summer day camp for kids, and scenic trails. To learn more, please visit www.countrysideymca.org.
About the LIVESTRONG® Foundation
The LIVESTRONG® Foundation fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer now. Created in 1997, the Foundation is known for providing free cancer support services and advocating for policies that improve access to care and quality of life. Known for its powerful brand – LIVESTRONG® – the Foundation has become a symbol of hope and inspiration around the world. Since its inception, the Foundation has served 2.8 million people affected by the disease and raised more than $580 million to support cancer survivors. One of America's top non-profit organizations, the Foundation has been recognized by industry leaders including Charity Navigator, the National Health Council and the Better Business Bureau for its excellent governance, high standards and transparency. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.