Health Archives - South Sound YMCA

Tag: Health

SEPTEMBER 18 -24 IS FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESS WEEK AT BRIGGS COMMUNITY YMCA!

Falls at any age are dangerous, and as you age your risk for serious injury increases. In the United States, more than one out of four older adults fall each year, and one out of five falls result in serious injury (CDC). There are many factors that increase the risk of falling in older adults. These include mobility problems, balance disorders, chronic illnesses, and impaired vision. Many falls cause at least some injury. These range from mild bruising to broken bones, head injuries, and even death. In fact, falls are a leading cause of death in older adults.

Join us September 18-24, 2022, for a nationwide observance to raise awareness of falls prevention to reduce the risk of falls and help older adults live without the fear of falling.

Events during Falls Prevention Awareness Week include:

  • Guest Speakers Donna Feddarn and Alison Lord from the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging – 9/19 at noon 
  • Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance demonstration day (open to all) – 9/20 at 10am
  • Fall risk assessment opportunity- 9/21 at 10am

Exercise late in life can help you live longer

Steve Messman, one of our YMCA personal trainers, has always said in many of his videos and to all of his personal training clients: “It doesn’t make any difference how old we are. It doesn’t make any difference what condition we are in. We can all start somewhere, and we can all get stronger.” The Active Grandparent Hypothesis bears that out. We human beings were made to be active. We were made to be active well into our old age. We need to be as active as possible in order to live longer and healthier lives.

Judy is 80 years old. But guess what! She is definitely not ready to quit. Judy knows that a person can be active at any age; a person can be healthy at any age. Exercise, regardless of what you are able to do, is essential to a person’s well-being.  Don’t be ashamed that you can’t do twenty pushups or a half dozen pullups.  Just know that the best thing you can do is to be consistent in your efforts to get out there and try. Work within your capabilities. Do what you can. Before long, “what you can” becomes more, longer, farther, easier. Judy is living proof. We should all be following her perfect example.

Continue reading “Physical Activity – It’s Important”

Let’s Talk Healthy Fats! 

By Lesli Baker 

My name is Lesli Baker, and I am the Health and Well Being Coordinator for the South Sound YMCA!

I am a Certified Nutritional Therapist and Movement Therapist as well as a Yoga Instructor, specializing in Trauma Sensitive Movement Therapy.

One of my biggest passions is also exploring, reading, and researching new and interesting ways to use food and nutrition to help to maintain and promote good health and well-being. When it comes to eating healthy and delicious, the possibilities are endless!

 

Continue reading “Healthy Fats”

Exercise late in life can help you live longer

Physical activity or exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life.

Steve Messman, one of our YMCA personal trainers, has always said in many of his videos and to all of his personal training clients: “It doesn’t make any difference how old we are. It doesn’t make any difference what condition we are in. We can all start somewhere, and we can all get stronger.” The Active Grandparent Hypothesis bears that out. We human beings were made to be active. We were made to be active well into our old age. We need to be as active as possible in order to live longer and healthier lives.  Lisa, the subject of this video, is living proof. She knows she is getting older, and she is doing everything she can to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Lisa works hard at staying healthy. She breathes deep and fast during her routines, and she even sweats a little. We should all be following her great example.

 

Continue reading “Physical Activity – It’s Important”