At the Capital District YMCA, we’re passionate about youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Every day, we work diligently to help people live healthier, happier lives.
Through our childcare programs, we nurture the potential in every child. Through our health and wellness programs, we improve the health and wellbeing of those who live in our communities. Through our scholarship program, we strengthen our community by helping those in need.
You know the Y for fitness, but did you know that the Y also offers a variety of programs that address chronic health issues?
Pedaling for Parkinson’s
Fast-paced cycling is changing the lives of increasing numbers of Parkinson’s patients who, before this, had no hope beyond medication and eventually surgery to slow the progression of their disease.
This new program helps improve the quality of life of Parkinson’s disease patients and their caregivers; helps educate patients and their caregivers about the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle after a Parkinson’s diagnosis; and helps support research dedicated to the prevention and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their individual health goals. In a safe, supportive environment, survivors enjoy physical and social activities that focus on strengthening the whole person. Physical activities are tailored to match only what each survivor is able to accomplish.
Plus, survivors learn about wellness and stress reduction techniques, and how to continue healthful habits after the program has ended. Just as important, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA encourages a warm spirit of community. Survivors enjoy a safe, comfortable place to build companionship along with physical and emotional strength.
YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps adults take control of their health by adopting habits that reduce the chance of developing type-2 diabetes, and improve overall health and wellbeing.
There is research by the National Institutes of Health that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of cases of type-2 diabetes by nearly 60%.
This program provides a supportive environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating and increasing physical activity in order to reduce the risk for developing diabetes. The program is led by a trained lifestyle coach in a classroom setting.
700 free classes each week
The Capital District YMCA offers hundreds of free classes each week at nine convenient locations in Albany, Bethlehem, Clifton Park, Coxsackie, East Greenbush, Glenville, Guilderland, Schenectady and Troy. From Aqua Aerobics to Zumba, the Y has something for everyone, including free baby-sitting while you work out and a host of activities that are fun for the whole family. To learn more about what makes the Y such a strong community partner, visit the Y at www.CDYMCA.org or call 869-3500. For more information about the Y’s work with chronic health, call healthy living director Nancy Gildersleeve at 869-3500, ext. 9928.
