The Kosciusko Community YMCA will provide the Livestrong at the YMCA program thanks to a grant from YMCA of the USA, the Y’s national resource office, in partnership with the Livestrong® Foundation.
Locally, the K21 Health Foundation is also providing a $35,000 grant for the program, according to the announcement from the Kosciusko Y. Launching in early 2016, the 12-week physical activity and well-being initiative helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals, the announcement says.
Livestrong at the YMCA is an evidence-based program built on best practices for cancer survivor exercise, according to the announcement. The goals of the program are to empower adult cancer survivors to improve functional capacity and to increase their quality of life through an organized program of fitness and strength offered in a supportive, small-group setting.
Historically, health care providers instructed cancer patients to rest and avoid activity or exertion, but studies now demonstrate the importance of physical activity for cancer survivors, the Y says.
The Kosciusko Community YMCA is one of 21 Ys in the U.S. to receive a grant to implement the program. This grant will help with the initial program training and implementation, while funding from the K21 Health Foundation will sustain these efforts and offer the 12-week exercise program free to survivors. The YMCA will also be starting an encouraging and resourceful support group for cancer survivors and their families/caregivers. The support group will meet on the second Monday of each month, starting Feb. 8, at 4:30 p.m. in the Parkview Center for Healthy Living. The Support Group is free to anyone that would like to come.
“We are honored to bring Livestrong at the YMCA to Kosciusko Community and share the passion of the Livestrong® Foundation for inspiring and empowering people affected by cancer. We look forward to working together to make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families,” said Stacy Thomas, director of Healthy Living at Kosciusko Community YMCA, in the announcement.
(Story By The Times Union)
