The YMCA of Greater Dayton Works to Improve the Health of Dayton Area Residents
The YMCA of Greater Dayton Works to Improve the Health of Dayton Area Residents
Dayton, OH, July 8, 2011 - Over the past several decades our nation has fallen into a rut of unhealthy lifestyles including a lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating. This has led to an increase in chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes; which are now, collectively, our nations leading causes of death. This lifestyle health crisis sheds light on the need to provide resources and support to those who need help getting on a path to healthier living. The problem is so prevalent that the Obama administrations just-released National Prevention Strategy: America's Plan for Better Health and Wellness placed its heaviest emphasis on chronic diseases and factors known to prevent these diseases. In the Dayton area chronic disease is no stranger to residents as up to 13 percent of adults are battling Diabetes, the highest rate in the state, as reported by the Associated Press.
While there is a renewed focus on prevention and wellness at the federal level, for the past 140 years helping those who live and work in the Dayton area adopt healthier lifestyles and increase their well-being has been a major point of emphasis for the YMCA of Greater Dayton. Through the YMCAs Diabetes Prevention Program, Dayton area residents are learning to live healthier. Over the course of 16 one-hour sessions, participants learn about healthy eating, physical activity and other behavior changes in order to eat healthier, increase physical activity and lose a small amount of weight. Research shows by meeting these goals, participants can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than half.
As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater Dayton believes that obesity and chronic diseases can be effectively addressed on a local level with a commitment to programs and initiatives that give people the support they need to sustain healthier lifestyles. In fact, Ys nationwide are working to ensure that all of the places where people live, work, learn and play provide opportunities for healthy living.
At the YMCA of Greater Dayton we believe that the solution to solving the nations lifestyle health crisis begins with prevention on the local level, says Abby Helsinger, Diabetes Prevention Director, YMCA of Greater Dayton. With the Y having such a large presence in our community we are able to tailor our programs to meet the specific need of Dayton area residents and make living healthy an easier choice.
The Y has been listening and responding to communities across the nation and their most critical needs for 160 years. Whether welcoming and connecting diverse populations or preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities, the Y brings families together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. Millions of youth, adults and families receive the support and services they need to achieve greater health and well-being.
To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Daytons Diabetes Prevention Program, please contact Abby Helsinger at 937-223-5201 or ahelsinger@daytonymca.org