Healthy Living - Community Health Challenges

IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL

Our nation’s health struggles are well chronicled with the rise of obesity, type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer and other life-altering conditions. The Y is dedicated to helping people understand their risks, and we provide the support needed to fight chronic disease, improve mobility and lead healthier lives. Through our healthy living programs, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte is committed to changing the outcome for people facing significant health challenges and improving quality of life for our whole community.

A Supportive Community

With more than 133,000 members and five million branch visits each year, a supportive community is a big part of wellness at the Y. Members and program participants often cite the support and enthusiasm of fellow participants and staff as some of the key factors in their achievement of greater well-being. Our team of highly-trained and caring health professionals supports individuals and families at every age and every level of activity.

Increasing Access to Care

As we aim to improve the nation’s health and well-being, the Y is also focused on community integrated health strategies that strengthen the linkage between traditional health care and community-based prevention initiatives in order to help individuals prevent, delay or live better with chronic conditions. It’s already happening across our branches in the Greater Charlotte community as we work to improve quality of life for all through our suite of chronic disease prevention programs, including YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program, Parkinson’s at the YMCA, Check. Change. Control.®, Enhance Fitness®, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA and EMPOWER. Many of these life-changing programs are offered at no cost in order to provide access for all.

Community Health and Wellness

For Healthy Living

Basic Life Support Classes

Learn to provide lifesaving skills as an individual or a group. Our American Safety & Health Institute-endorsed instructors provide training at our branches or take our program to your group. Our customized approach will provide the right class and timeline to fit your needs.

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EMPOWER

More than one-third (36.5%) of U.S. adults have obesity and obesity-related conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer - some of the leading causes of preventable death.

The YMCA is committed to help fight the epidemic of obesity through our Weight Loss Program which promotes the adoption of healthier eating habits, an increase in daily physical activity, improved self-esteem and confidence, increased quality of life, and weight loss.

Enhance® Fitness

Enhance® Fitness is an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals (particularly those with arthritis) to stay active throughout their life.
Here are some of the changes our participants have noticed:
- More energy
- Better balance
- Increases in upper body and lower body strength
- More flexibility and range of motion
- Better sleep
- More feelings of happiness
- Sense of independence

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA

The Y and LIVESTRONG® joined together to create LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. The research-based program offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person.

By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.

Weight Loss Roadmap

When you become a member of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, you receive a free custom weight loss plan. Not only will you have access to hundreds of fitness amenities at 19 branches in a four-county area, you’ll also be guided by accountability coaches who will help you feel empowered, supported and successful.

Member plans focus on improving the four keys to weight loss:
• Exercise
• Diet
• Sleep
• Stress

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Wellness on Wheels (WOW)

Wellness on Wheels was launched in January 2019 to serve the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s footprint in conjunction with Atrium Health. Wellness on Wheels provides blood pressure and blood sugar screenings to all. Chronic disease and obesity are critical issues in the community which is why Atrium Health and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte have partnered to address the public health needs of individuals and communities. Wellness on Wheels provides individuals with their baseline health numbers so they can make better, more informed decisions about their health and healthcare.

YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 26 million individuals across the country and more than one million people in the Carolinas. Pre-diabetes is a serious health condition and a precursor to developing Type 2 diabetes, a disease that can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and other complications.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and nutrition coaching helps adults at high risk reduce their chances of developing the disease by adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyles focused on eating better and increasing physical activity.

Community Health Challenges