The YMCA of East Tennessee is offering LIVESTRONG at the Y’s five branches in 2018. LIVESTRONG at the Y is a research-based physical activity and well-being initiative that helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals.
Here is the schedule:
- Lindsay Young YMCA, Monday/Thursday, 9 a.m. starting March 19
- Cansler YMCA, Monday/Thursday, 6:30 p.m. starting Feb. 12
- Davis Family YMCA, Monday/Thursday, 1 p.m. starting Feb. 12
- West Side YMCA, Monday/Thursday, 2 p.m. starting April 9
- North Side YMCA, Monday/Wednesday, 11 a.m. starting April 9
“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. 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.
“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 Vickey Beard, vice president of Healthy Living. “With a mission centered on balance, the Y strives to be a leading voice on health and well-being for our community by providing resources and guidance so that all people, no matter what their circumstance, can achieve greater health and well-being in spirit, mind and body.”
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is part of a multi-year collaboration between YMCA of the USA and the LIVESTRONG Foundation. 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.
Info: Vickey Beard at 865-406-7328 or vbeard@ymcaknoxville.org.
(This article was written by Terry Shaw for the East Tennessee YMCA.)