North Channel Sentinel - News
Y' encourages focus on wellness, family, community in tough economy
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The Wendel D. Ley Family YMCA supports families and individuals during challenging and uncertain times, like those the community is facing right now as a result of the economic downturn.
“Like so many Americans, members of our community are feeling overwhelmed, stressed and a little powerless,” said Francine Attard, Wendel D. Ley Family YMCA health and wellness director. “Times of change and uncertainty are not times to ‘go it alone.’ We encourage members of our community to come together and support one another. Take a walk, get together with neighbors, volunteer and get active.”
This is a good time for families and individuals to renew their focus on three areas that the YMCA believes form the foundation for strong, healthy families and communities:
*Physical exercise, even at moderate levels, can reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. Over the long term, regular exercise can ward against the physical and financial toll of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Experts agree that investing in health and well-being always offers a positive return.
*Family strengthening is equally important. Make family time a priority and include children in discussions about how to trim budgets. Eating dinner as a family or enjoying a Saturday afternoon activity together can bring families closer and reinforce the idea that family members support one another in difficult times.
*Connections to community bind people together, offer support and give people an important sense of belonging. Getting engaged in community, volunteering to help others in need and enjoying friendship and camaraderie enrich lives and make individuals, families and communities stronger and more resilient.
“Now is not the time to sacrifice your health,” said Attard. “Our Membership for All program allows everyone to belong to the YMCA, regardless of their economic situation. At the YMCA, your monthly dues are based on your annual household income, which means that even if you’ve lost a job or been laid off, you and your family can still come to the YMCA for better spirit, mind and body health.”
For more information on YMCA programs, including Membership for All, please call 281-458-7777. The YMCA strives to turn no one away due to inability to pay.
“Like so many Americans, members of our community are feeling overwhelmed, stressed and a little powerless,” said Francine Attard, Wendel D. Ley Family YMCA health and wellness director. “Times of change and uncertainty are not times to ‘go it alone.’ We encourage members of our community to come together and support one another. Take a walk, get together with neighbors, volunteer and get active.”
This is a good time for families and individuals to renew their focus on three areas that the YMCA believes form the foundation for strong, healthy families and communities:
*Physical exercise, even at moderate levels, can reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. Over the long term, regular exercise can ward against the physical and financial toll of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Experts agree that investing in health and well-being always offers a positive return.
*Family strengthening is equally important. Make family time a priority and include children in discussions about how to trim budgets. Eating dinner as a family or enjoying a Saturday afternoon activity together can bring families closer and reinforce the idea that family members support one another in difficult times.
*Connections to community bind people together, offer support and give people an important sense of belonging. Getting engaged in community, volunteering to help others in need and enjoying friendship and camaraderie enrich lives and make individuals, families and communities stronger and more resilient.
“Now is not the time to sacrifice your health,” said Attard. “Our Membership for All program allows everyone to belong to the YMCA, regardless of their economic situation. At the YMCA, your monthly dues are based on your annual household income, which means that even if you’ve lost a job or been laid off, you and your family can still come to the YMCA for better spirit, mind and body health.”
For more information on YMCA programs, including Membership for All, please call 281-458-7777. The YMCA strives to turn no one away due to inability to pay.
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