- By YMCA
- Around Town
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Over the past 20 years, unhealthy behaviors, including physical inactivity and unhealthy eating, have led to an epidemic of obesity and related chronic disease in the United States. Today, obesity is associated with a series of chronic health conditions – including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, colon cancer, gallbladder disease, arthritis, sleep disturbances and breathing problems – putting the United States in the middle of a serious health crisis and reducing the quality of life of millions of Americans.
Today, there is an increasing population of Americans who want to live healthier, but struggle to do so, as an Activate America YMCA, the Ithaca Y is committed to enhancing our service and support to these kids, adults, and families in Tompkins County.
In addition to supporting the people of Ithaca and Tompkins County in their journey to create and sustain a healthy lifestyle, as an Activate America YMCA, the Ithaca Y is committed to being an integral part of efforts to make long-lasting changes that support healthy living. The Ithaca Y is also committed to collaborating with other community partners to magnify its impact.
Specifically, in youth, family and adult programs the YMCA is offering basketball drills and skills on Saturday mornings for ages 4 to 7 and adult pick-up basketball Tuesday and Thursday nights. Plans are being made to have league basketball in January for middle school-aged children and adults. As a part of the nation’s oldest and largest community based organization, with over 2,600 YMCAs, 20.2 million members and a mission dedicated to health and wellness, we are uniquely qualified and positioned to impact our community’s growing obesity, chronic disease and health care crisis through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body.
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