Easton, MD — On August 18th, ten YMCA team members from across the Eastern Shore were certified by YUSA to coach two of the YMCA of the Chesapeake’s signature Chronic Disease & Prevention Programs – EnhanceFitness® and LiveSTRONG at their respective branches. These new coaches will facilitate the expansion of these critical programs to more Y branches across the Delmarva Peninsula.
In addition, long-time coach, Barb Jarrell, and Wendy Palmer, Director of Chronic Disease and Prevention Programs, completed their certifications to become nationally-recognized YUSA trainers. Their added expertise positions the YMCA of the Chesapeake to expand and sustain these programs in the long-term as it will be able to host its own training and better support staff and communities launching these programs.
“I am proud to work for an organization that makes Chronic Disease and Prevention Programs a priority,” said Palmer. “We are changing lives with these evidence-based programs that help people live well, move well and stay socially connected. I am thrilled for our new coaches and look forward to helping them grow these programs for their local communities.”
EnhanceFitness® is an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals (particularly those with arthritis) to stay active throughout their life. Participants have noticed better balance, increased upper and lower body strength, more flexibility and range of motion, better sleep, more feelings of happiness and a sense of independence. Research has also shown that health care costs for those participating in EnhanceFitness® are lowered by close to $1000 each year.
LiveSTRONG was developed In partnership with the LIVESTRONG Foundation, and is a small-group cancer survivorship program for those who are living with, through or beyond cancer. The program emphasizes cardiovascular conditioning, strength training and balance and flexibility programs. According to research from the Yale Cancer Center and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute, participants in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program experience improved fitness and quality of life, as well as significant decreases in cancer-related fatigue.
Newly-certified trainers are Tracy Campbell – Cecil County Family YMCA, Laura Russell – Cecil County Family YMCA, Scott Dever – Kent County Family YMCA, Josie Wiltbank – Kent County Family YMCA, Luanne Coleman – Kent County Family YMCA, Tui Minderhout – Easton Family YMCA, Mary Schmitt – Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA, Silvia Orellena – Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA, Fron Burns – Henson Family YMCA, Eric Bonner – Caroline County Family YMCA.
For more information about Chronic Disease & Prevention Programs at the YMCA of the Chesapeake, please visit https://ymcachesapeake.org/programs/community or contact Wendy Palmer at wpalmer@ymcachesapeake.org.
About the YMCA of the Chesapeake
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and the largest Human Service organization on the Eastern Shore; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore, Ys engage 50,000 members and their families, regardless of age, income or background, to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the Shore’s health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Dorchester, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Wicomico and Worcester Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $2,000,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $200,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.
