Chronic Disease Prevention Programs
At the Sanford-Springvale YMCA we care about your total well-being. Healthy living encompasses many different aspects including exercise, nutrition, mental health, periodic check-ups, recovery from injuries or disease and even social interaction.
We have a variety of programs to help you with your journey to a better, healthier life.
NEW PROGRAM FOR 2025
Livestrong partnered with the Y to create a new program designed to help those recovering from cancer.
Livestrong at the YMCA equips those living with, through, or beyond cancer to get back on their feet and connect with other survivors. Participants enjoy free or low-cost exercise regimens catered to their individual needs. Sessions are led by certified fitness instructors at YMCA of the USA locations across the country. Instructors are trained in cancer survivorship, post-rehabilitation exercise, and supportive cancer care.
We worked with researchers from Yale University and Dana Farber Cancer Institute to conduct a research study on the impact of the program on participants’ cancer-related outcomes. We found that participants experienced significant increases in physical activity, overall quality of life and fitness performance as well as decreases in cancer-related fatigue.
Livestrong at the YMCA is a new program being offered starting January, here at SSYMCA
We are pleased to announce the launch of our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a no-cost, 12-week program designed for cancer survivors and their families seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other cancer survivors. Participants work with staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve goals such as building muscle mass & strength, increasing flexibility & endurance, and improving confidence & self-esteem. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. The program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help participants improve confidence and self-esteem.
A cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has been diagnosed with a form of cancer in their lifetime.
Classes will begin the week of January 20th and be held Monday and Wednesday 5:30-7:00pm or Tuesday and Thursday 10:30am-12:00pm.
Participants receive a free family membership to the Sanford-Springvale YMCA during the program.
Cancer survivors are encouraged to contact Merilee Perkins, Director of Healthy Living, at 207-324-4942 or mperkins@sanfordymca.org for more information and to enroll.
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program
One in three American adults has high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for stroke and heart disease, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
In response to this critical health issue, YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program offers personalized support as participants develop the habit of monitoring their blood pressure. Research shows that the process of recording blood pressure at least twice a month over a period of four months can lower blood pressure in many people with high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring is one part of Y-USA’s suite of evidence-based chronic disease prevention programs. Since 2005, the Y has worked to become a leading provider of chronic disease prevention programs to communities across the U.S.
Participants will:
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Take and record their blood pressure at least two times per month
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Attend two consultations a month with a Healthy Heart Ambassador
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Attend monthly nutrition education seminars
Diabetes Prevention Program
In the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program, a trained Lifestyle Coach will introduce topics in a supportive, small group environment and encourage participants as they explore how healthy eating, physical activity and behavior changes can help reduce their risk for diabetes and benefit their overall health.
The Diabetes Prevention Program is a recognized program by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
HOW IT WORKS
Learn how to take and record your blood pressure Attend two 10 minute blood pressure consultations a month Attend monthly nutrition seminars to develope healthier eating habits
Participants explore how healthy eating, physical activity and behavior changes can help reduce the risk for developing diabetes.
The monthly maintenance sessions help participants stay motivated to maintain progress toward their goals.
PROGRAM GOALS
Lose 7 percent of your body weight, and gradually increase your physical activity to 150 minutes per week.
You will do this by learning strategies for:
Healthy Eating
Eating smaller portions, reducing fat in your diet and discovering healthier food options has been shown to help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
Increasing Physical Activity
Studies have repeatedly shown that moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, mowing the lawn) for as little as 30 minutes a day, five days a week can help improve your blood pressure, raise your good cholesterol and prevent blood flow problems.
Losing Weight
It has been shown that reducing your body weight by even a small amount (as little as 5 - 7 percent) can offer tremendous benefits for people at risk for diabetes.
Based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health, this program has been shown to reduce the number of new cases of Type 2 diabetes by as much as 58 percent in adults. The reduction was even greater, 71 percent, among adults aged 60 years or older.
Nearly 86 million American adults, that's one in three, have prediabetes. People with prediabetes are likely to develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years, unless they take action to prevent or delay the disease. Diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and nerve disease.
DO I QUALIFY?
To qualify for the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, participants must be at least 18 years old, overweight (BMI>25, Asian adults, BMI>22) and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes.