Last month we were proud to host Heartbeat for Health, sponsored by the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, at the Y in Arnold, our second year as host of this wonderful and important community event. With over 400 people in attendance (140 of whom were Y members), this free, informative and fun-filled event celebrated the benefits of dance and exercise in the prevention of heart disease, while reinforcing community awareness and education about overall health and wellness.  The day included dance demonstrations by the Meki’s Tamure Polynesian Dance Group, Gypsy Fusion Belly Dance (exhausting just to think about!),  wide array of health screenings including carotid artery, foot, dental, and glucose screenings), CPR demonstrations, safe sleep for newborns, blood pressure checks and educational displays for cancer and heart health.  Thankfully, after all that exercise, refreshments were also included!

UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center is also to be thanked for providing referrals and experts to help us support our first LIVESTRONG cohort at the Greater Annapolis Y in Arnold this year. LIVE​​STRONG at the Y offers adults affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment​ to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. The free, 12-week program is led by expert, caring instructors trained to work with cancer patients and survivors.

Here’s what one participant had to say about her experience:

“The LIVESTRONG Program has been a wonderful experience. After going through chemotherapy and radiation therapy for Breast Cancer twice, LIVESTRONG at the Y has been extremely beneficial.  This program is providing instruction on how to improve my overall strength, conditioning and balance. The Trainers are patient and knowledgeable, as well as great communicators and teachers.  Another advantage is the classes are conducted in small groups. This gives us an opportunity to learn, share and laugh together and sometimes develop new friendships.  I would highly recommend the LIVESTRONG Program to other cancer survivors.“ Bettie Farrar

Additional LIVESTRONG programs will be available​ ​starting in April at our Ys in Arnold, Pasadena and the Orokawa Y in Towson​.​

Special thanks goes to our Healthy Living Partner, UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center, for making this day and program of health and well-being so readily accessible to our members and our community. Their leadership in moving medicine beyond the four walls of a hospital or doctor’s office will lead to a healthier, more informed community where people are the active agents of their own health. Special thanks also to our own ​active agent, Deborah Crites, for her extraordinary dedication to helping to assure that this event as well as all our Healthy Living Partner events and initiatives are well planned and attended. THANK YOU!

All the best,

John

John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland