Classes are starting soon at the Preble County YMCA for area residents who are either cancer survivors or are in need of help to prevent diabetes.

Program 1

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a twelve week small group program designed for adult cancer survivors who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and/or disease. The program is offered without cost to the participants because of a generous sponsorship from the Preble County Medical Center.

Why is LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Important?

This program fulfills the important need of the increasing number of cancer survivors who find themselves in the transitional period between completing their cancer treatment and the shift to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to attempt to return to their normal life. The fact that the program is outside a medical facility and integrated into the community serves to emphasize that LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is about health, not about disease.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is an evidence-based program designed on best practices for cancer survivor exercise. The goals of the program are to empower adult cancer survivors to improve functional capacity and to increase their quality of life through an organized program of fitness and strength offered in a supportive, small-group setting.

According to the CDC, nearly 14 million people in the U.S. today are cancer survivors – those living with, through and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Historically, health care providers instructed cancer patients to rest and avoid activity or exertion, but studies now demonstrate the importance of physical activity for cancer survivors.

“Research shows exercise is the simplest way for cancer survivors to reduce fatigue, improve their mood and bounce back more quickly from the debilitating effects of cancer treatment,” said Dr. Ruth Rechis, LIVESTRONG Foundation Vice President of Programs. “The Y is the perfect collaborator for the program 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. Through our partnership, we’ve now been able to widely expand the program into more than 300 cities throughout the country to ensure survivors have access.”

For more information or to register e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Program 2

DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM

“Being mindful of what I put in my body has made me a healthier and happier person. Everywhere I go people ask how I lost the weight. I tell them the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program offered through the Preble County Y – the weekly meeting, my fitness coach and classmates, the free Y membership and my will to keep healthy, especially as I age. I feel great about my lifestyle change,” said Dwedor, a YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program participant.

Are you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes? Prediabetes affects an estimated 86 million Americans aged 20 or older but only 10% of patients with the condition know they have it. Multiple risk factors such as family history, weight, gestational diabetes, and age can increase your risk. This evidence-based national program aims to help participants reduce their risk of diabetes by losing a modest amount of weight and increasing physical activity.

The program is available to all who qualify, some insurances may cover the cost of the program. Please call Ali Schulze at 937-223-5201 ext. 1041 or [email protected] for more details and program fee if not covered.