Y Healthy Living for the Whole Family

This post is brought to you by the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

As children and families start new school-year routines, now is a perfect time to reflect and refresh your family’s healthy habits, and the YMCA is here to help. We help create a safe and supportive environment for all individuals to achieve their fullest potential at the YMCA. 

The Y is more than just a gym. The YMCA has spent the last decade working to improve where children and families live, work, learn, and play so they can have more access and opportunities for healthy, affordable food and physical activity. 

Chronic diseases, like obesity, are becoming more and more prevalent and put children and adolescents at risk for poor health. One in every three children in our community is at risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. And about one in five youth (19%) in the U.S. is living with obesity. During September, we observe National Childhood Obesity Month and bring awareness to this deadly disease. 

At the Y, we believe overall health means taking care of spirit, mind, and body. Even small changes can make a big difference. The YMCA is invested in your health and helping you meet your goals, whether that means losing weight, gaining strength, or simply finding ways to increase energy and decrease stress.

The Y Diabetes Prevention Program helps adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. Participants work together in a small group (in person or through socially distant platforms like teleconferencing or virtual meeting platforms) to learn about healthier eating and increasing physical activity to reduce their risk of developing diabetes. 

“We help by understanding where an individual is at,” said Sarah Tabbutt, Senior Program Director. The program engages the child and adult to understand how the home environment and other factors influence the choices that lead to a healthy lifestyle. “We gear our programming towards the family. We hear those individuals will start to make the changes, but other family members aren’t on board yet. Once the family is on board with making simple changes, such as tracking, they realize their intake quickly and are more aware. This program is not about dieting. The Y helps families to create healthier lifestyles,” said Tabbutt.

The desire to lose weight is not uncommon for individuals interested in obtaining a healthier lifestyle. Holistic wellness includes achieving and maintaining optimal body weight. There are many options available to support successful weight management at the Y. Individuals, teens, and families interested in improving nutritional habits can benefit as they learn how healthy choices impact overall wellness.

The Harvey E. Najim Family YMCA and Mays Family YMCA at Potranco have state-of-the-art teaching kitchens and offer chef programming to the community. Families learn how to make healthy meals taste good and provide healthier options, even desserts. “The chef program does a great job incorporating recipes that are similar to our culture. It’s based on what you are doing now and finding ways to make it a little bit healthier,” said Tabbutt. Members who went through Healthy Living programs shared they are much more aware after taking the classes.

“Mentally and physically, with the help of the YMCA, I’m a better, healthier person instead of a statistic living with diabetes,” said a Healthy Living Member. The YMCA helps families improve eating habits and increase their physical activity. The Y isn’t just a gym. The family-centered programming emphasizes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavior changes to bring about a positive, lifelong lifestyle transformation. 

When youth play sports with the YMCA, they gain more than just exercise. They know what it takes to be a leader in sports and life. Understanding the fundamentals of the game and safe play is just the beginning. Y coaches help guide youth through learning the essentials of physical fitness, healthy development, and participation. Youth sports focus on improving kids’ confidence and maintaining determination. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from. At the Y, it’s everyone’s game.

This month, the YMCA is hosting Síclovía, a free, family-friendly event on Sunday, September 26, 2021, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This is another great opportunity to get out, get active, and safely exercise and play in car-free streets. 

To learn more about the YMCA’s family programming, youth sports, and Healthy Living programming, visit ymcasatx.org.

 

 

About YMCA of Greater San Antonio

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For 145+ years, the YMCA of Greater San Antonio has worked to build a stronger community. With their doors open to all, the Y listens and responds to the community’s most critical social needs, ensuring that everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of age, income, ability, ethnicity, or faith. 

Alamo City Moms
Alamo City Moms is written by a collaborative and diverse group of mothers. We strive to provide moms with relevant, timely and fun information about all things mom here in the greater San Antonio area.