Livestrong At The Y

is a FREE 12-week YMCA-funded and YMCA-managed program for adult cancer survivors. Our program is about saying ‘goodbye’ to being a patient and saying ‘hello’ to being a healthy, whole person again. Contributions to our annual Partner of Youth campaign fund this free community program. $250 funds LIVESTRONG at the YMCA for one cancer survivor. Donate today and help rebuild someone’s spirit, mind, and body.

Purpose

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. Program participants receive a FREE 3-month YMCA family membership to help further their wellness journey.

Program

This 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.
Participants work with YMCA staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem.

In addition to physical benefits, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. The program is available year-round at the South Wood County YMCA. Classes are twice weekly for 75-minutes per class over a 12 week period.
Check your local Y branch for schedules and times.
Participants will be invited to participate in several components of the program, including:

• Group exercise classes
• Individualized training and exercise development sessions
• Social engagement activities, and
• Educational seminars and guest speakers

This program is recommended for survivors who have recently finished their cancer treatment. Enrollment will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits

Medical studies show that moderate levels of exercise help cancer survivors physically and mentally, increasing their overall quality of life. The YMCA’s goal is to support survivors through a program that provides them with a positive way to learn how to increase their physical activity.

Additional benefits will include reducing the severity of therapy and treatment side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes, and improving energy levels and self-esteem.

A final goal of the program will be to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle.

Certified Instructors

Certified YMCA fitness instructors will deliver the physical activity portions of the program. Instructors are trained in the elements of cancer, post-rehab exercise, and supportive cancer care.

Community Health Worker

We are excited to offer the services of a Community Health Worker, supporting the South Wood County YMCA, and Wood County. Part of this role is to advocate, provide education, assistance to resources, and overall community engagement, learning what the needs are in the community, and creating networks so we can help fill some gaps. Other areas of focus include:

• Providing non-biased information and assistance for Wood County resources and services – If you’re needing assistance and/or information, chances are there’s a resource in our area to draw from
• Informal Coaching – Focusing on your overall wellness
• Community Outreach – How can the Y support needs in the community, outside our walls
• Care Transition Interventions – Focusing on those dealing with long term effects from Covid-19

 For more information, contact Sarah Wheeler, CHW:

Wheeler@swcymca.org

or 608-673-7247

Aspirus Falls Prevention

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. Falls, with or without injury, also carry a heavy quality of life impact. A growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness. However, falls are NOT a normal part of aging. Falls are preventable! Join Kim Scheunemann, PT and Josh Scott, LAT/ATC from Aspirus for falls prevention knowledge and exercises during this 7-week program!

Wednesdays 11:15-12:15 pm

Dates: Wednesday, January 4^th-Wednesday, February 8^th, 2023

Limit 25

Age: Any

Fee: Free for members

Nutrition 101

Step off on the right foot in 2023 with Nutrition 101. Taught by our YMCA’s registered Dietitian, Tianna Hamm. Tianna has worked as a Clinical Dietitian in a skilled nursing facility for 4 years, but has always been passionate about community nutrition. Excited to be able to use her skills and passions to serve our community, both inside and outside the walls of the South Wood County YMCA, her passion and desire is to empower individuals and families to become the healthiest version of themselves that they can be. Some of Tianna’s experiences include: diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and many other medical conditions. We look forward to seeing you there. #Swcymca #swcymcanutrition101 #swcymcaDieticianTiannaHamm

Wednesdays 11:15-12:15 pm

Date: Monday, January 16^th
            | In the Teaching Kitchen

Age: Any

Fee: Free for members, Fee: $10 Non Members