YMCA Helps Fight Obesity Epidemic
In an effort to help the nation fight the growing obesity epidemic, the YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) announced its plan to address the current lifestyle crisis.
The YMCA believes that one of the top reasons of obesity is unhealthy lifestyle. This is why, in addition to its youth and child care programs, the Y launched the Activate America program. The program includes numerous health-related activities that will promote fitness and weight loss.
Aside from improving health, the Y also aims to provide its clients with personal support through group activities. In New York, the Y offered a 12-week personalized workout program that included 4 sessions with a fitness trainer. Another Y in Anderson (South Carolina) is holding regular weigh-ins to complement the community’s weight-loss campaign.
To meet this new goal, the Y has started re-training all their staff, teaching them to listen actively in order to determine their client’s real needs. They are also working with other non-profit organizations in over 110 towns and cities nationwide to fight poor nutrition, physical inactivity and of course, obesity.
According to the YMCA, American lifestyle has changed dramatically in the last century. In its effort to adapt to the growing demand for inexpensive and non-profit health clubs, the Y has decided that they could provide great assistance.
The Obesity Crisis
In the United States, the number of people who are overweight or obese has grown exponentially in the last century. Most health experts believe that the Americans have grown more and more sedentary. Aside from this, the public has grown lazy when it comes to making the right food choices. Most people choose to eat fast foods that contain trans-fats, which is considered to be very bad for their health. Despite warnings that obesity is linked to serious medical conditions, many people still lead an unhealthy lifestyle.
Taking Advantage
There are some people who are trying hard to fight obesity but lack the resources to do so. If you have been looking for a place to work out without spending a large amount of your hard-earned money, then the YMCA is a good place to start. The new programs are perfect for mothers like you who need some time for exercise and social interaction.
With all the housework and child-related activities, most stay-at-home mothers fail to realize that exercising will help them cope better with their responsibilities. In addition to relieving stress, exercise can release endorphins that is believed to be the “happy hormone”.
Naturally, a change in lifestyle should not only include regular exercise. You will also need to improve your eating habits. One good tip is planning ahead the meals that you will prepare for your family for the entire week. This way, you will be able to see whether or not the nutritional requirement of your family has been met.
If you have trouble doing this, you can always look for information in health magazines or over the internet. You will be surprised with the many sources that you can utilize.
