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YMCA of the Capital Area Newsletter - Y Connection    

March 2024

YMCA CORPORATE CUP

Save the Date, March 23, for the YMCA Corporate Cup 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk and Jambalaya Cook-Off. Registration for the run is still OPEN! Have what it takes to win the Jambalaya Cook-Off? Register now to participate.


The event offers a 3.1 mile course running through beautiful downtown and developing Mid City. The race will consist of four race divisions, awards for winners in each division, the Corporate Wellness Award, and Oldie but Goodie Award for the oldest male and female runners. Join the fun and build camaraderie with your team and friends, enjoy prizes, entertainment, chip timing and more!

YMCA CORPORATE CUP INFORMATION

STUDENTS SELECTED FOR NEW LIFT MENTORING PROGRAM

Congratulations to the students of Istrouma Middle Magnet and Scotlandville Middle Pre-Engineering Magnet Academy who were selected to participate in the LIFT (Leaders Inspiring the Faces of Tomorrow) program supported by ExxonMobil.



Through this collaboration with 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge, Foundation for East Baton Rouge School System, and YMCA of the Capital Area, participating sixth through eighth grade students will have mentoring and tutoring sessions, exploratory field trips and STEM-related activities to facilitate career readiness and academic success. The Y is excited about participating in this pilot program.

GREAT SUMMERS START HERE

YMCA Summer Camps at the Y offer children countless opportunities to laugh, learn, lead, make lasting friendships and have FUN! Camp is offered for children ages 4 - 12 and is offered Monday through Friday from 7am until 6pm.


Summer Camp is offered at the following locations:



Registration opens on March 1!

Click here for more information and registration!

EASTER BASKET DRIVE

Help us celebrate Easter by donating Easter baskets that will go to children in Foster Care! We will be accepting donations at all of our YMCA locations until March 17. We have a wide range of ages that we are looking to help (all the way to age 17).

Here are some possible items to donate:

• Candy

• Stuffed animals

• Blankets

• Mugs

• Hygiene Items

• Pre-filled eggs

• Pre-filled baskets

• $5 Gift Cards

BLOOD PRESSURE SELF MONITORING

We are excited to announce the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program is coming soon to our YMCA! This program offers personalized support as participants develop the habit of monitoring their blood pressure. More information coming soon!

VIRTUAL WORKOUTS

Y360 offers access to stream your favorite programs, classes and instructors. Anywhere. Anytime. Live and on-demand group exercise classes with your favorite instructors, mind & body, youth enrichment, fitness options and more! Over 300 on-demand exercise classes and programs are accessible 24/7 to provide another way to engage with the Y from home or when a location isn’t nearby. Content is being added weekly, including live-stream classes. Sign up today!

BRAC ANNUAL MEETING

Y staff and Y volunteers enjoyed the BRAC Annual Meeting last month!

SPORTS FOR ALL

The YMCA Sports Program team is interested in launching an adaptive sports program for adults and veterans with disabilities to provide the opportunity to gain independence and health benefits in an encouraging, understanding, and fun environment. Your input is needed! Please take a moment to complete the survey to share your needs or the needs of loved ones and friends. All abilities are welcome, and all skills will be adapted and modified as needed.

WOMEN LEADERS WITHIN THE Y

In honor of Women's History Month, the Y is honored to commemorate and celebrate female figures within the history of the YMCA movement who were vital to the success and empowerment of all current and future women leaders in the Y.


Ellen Brown

Ellen Brown was the first female YMCA employee in 1886 when she was hired to serve as the “boys work secretary.” Brown taught a night class at the Y that grew so rapidly, it eventually became a whole department!


Addie Hunton

As part of the YMCA's massive World War I support effort, Addie Hunton was one of only three African American women assigned to serve over 200,000 segregated Black troops stationed in France. Hunton was also YWCA secretary for Black student work and vice president of the NAACP.


To read more about these amazing stories, click here!

HEALTHY KIDS DAY! SAVE THE DATE! April 20!

Interested in becoming a sponsor of Healthy Kids Day? Click HERE!

SIX STEPS TOWARDS A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE ON DIABETES ALERT DAY

Did you know that of the 96 million Americans who have prediabetes, more than 8 in 10 adults don’t know they have it? March 26 is Diabetes Alert Day, and the Y is encouraging community members to understand their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and steps to take to prevent the disease.

First, we invite you to take the 60-second test led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Medical Association and the Ad Council to find out if you’re at risk: doihaveprediabetes.org


Next, we are sharing a handful of lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living, which can decrease the risk for type 2:



Talk to Your Doctor

Use this moment as a reminder to talk to your health care provider about your diabetes risk factors. This is especially true if you have a family history or are overweight.

More Fruits and Veggies

Try incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your day! Eating a colorful array of healthy foods can have a huge impact on your overall health. There are some great recipes available including vegetables that are in season this time of year – get creative in the kitchen!

More Lean Proteins

Basic lifestyle changes – such as choosing fish, lean meats and poultry without skin - can contribute to weight loss and decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Check out some healthy and delicious ways to prepare these proteins at https://diabetes.org/.

Grain Power

There’s power in grain! Aim for whole grains with every meal. A whole grain sandwich filled with fresh veggies and lean meat is both filling and delicious.

150 Minutes of Movement

Small steps matter. Build up to 150 minutes of physical activity per week. You can start with a simple walk each day or check out our Y’s exciting group fitness class schedule. The key is to just keep moving!

Drink More Water

Basic lifestyle changes, like drinking water instead of drinks with added sugar, can contribute to weight loss and decreases the risk for type 2 diabetes. Carrying and refilling a reusable water bottle is an easy way to keep thirst (and sugary beverage temptation!) at bay.

HEALTHY RECIPES TO TRY DURING NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

March is National Nutrition Month and the Y has collected recipes from other Ys across the country that you can try with your family! These delicious and nutritious recipes are sure to be a big hit at the dinner table. 

 

Pumpkin Oatmeal

This delicious Pumpkin Oatmeal recipe from the YMCA of Central Florida is proof that you can enjoy the flavor of pumpkin year-round!

 

Hearty Pancakes

Weekend mornings are for pancakes! Try these Hearty Pancakes from the Joplin Family YMCA for a breakfast that’s tasty and filling!

 

Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs

Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs puts a healthy twist on classic comfort food – all while saving time in the kitchen! Try this recipe from the YMCA of Central Massachusetts.

 

Mint Chocolate Shake

This Mint Chocolate Shake from the Summit Area YMCA is a great way to start the day when you’re on the go!


Need additional support and resources to improve your nutrition? Click here to learn more about our nutritional services with our Registered Dietitian, Sarah Broekhoven.

MONTHLY SPOTLIGHTS

This month's Employee Spotlight is Mathew Rogers!


Mathew has worked at the Y for 2 years as a Fitness Attendant, and he began working at the Y when he was referred by a friend. He says that his favorite part of working at the Y are his coworkers.


The Y loves Mat! He is happy and energetic everyday!

This month's Member Spotlight is Christie Aguillard Wood!


Christie has been a member of the Y since she retired in 2016 from her job as a speech therapist of 36 years. She was looking for something to do to fill her time and someone to talk to during the day. Her goal was to be healthy and happy. She embraced the Y and said goodbye to being alone and inactive. She has made new friends at the Y and enjoys going to classes like line dancing, light and low, chair aerobics, and water fitness with the quality instructors. 


Christie says find what fits in your life journey, move your body, and enjoy the experience.  

Y APP CHALLENGE

We are adding new challenges each month to our Y app to help keep you motivated! These challenges are designed to keep you moving and give you the opportunity to win some great Y prizes! Challenges are FREE to participate!


Download the Y app for free from the app store by searching "YMCA of the Capital Area". Click on "challenges" within the Y app and click "join challenge" to participate. This month's challenge is to walk or run 15 miles throughout the month of March for a chance to win a salad shaker.


Good luck!

Congratulations to our January Challenge winners:

Patricia B., Evelyn L., and Noelle L.

PROGRAMS

Youth Boot Camp


Nutritional Services


Tennis


Youth Sports


Corporate Cup


Group Exercise


Summer Camp


Pickleball Tournament and Catfish Classic


Bring a Ringer Pickleball Tournament


Y Run


Spring Swimming Lessons





UPCOMING EVENTS

March 1: Summer Swimming Lessons and Summer Camp Registration Opens


March 3: Last day to register for spring sports


March 5: T-Shirt Tuesday, Wear a Y shirt today.


March 15 - 17: YMCA Day at Dick's Sporting Goods, 20% off coupon & general coupon for any day!


March 20: Member Appreciation Day


March 22: Friend Friday! Y members can bring a guest for free! 


March 23: Community Easter Egg Hunt at C. B. Pennington Jr. YMCA 11am - 2pm


March 24: Corporate Cup 5K and one mile run/walk


March 29: Closed for Good Friday


March 31: Closed for Easter Sunday

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