Category: Blog

November is Native American Heritage Month and the YMCA of Greater Erie wants to take this opportunity to uplift the culture and history through the voices and stories of Native American individuals and communities themselves. We’re going to explore how we can learn more as a community through four steps – LEARN, REFLECT, CONNECT, and ACTIVATE.

Learn

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the YMCA of Greater Erie encourages our Erie community to LEARN about the contributions, achievements, and struggles of Native Americans through their own words. Visit nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov for resources featuring the work and viewpoints of Native American individuals and communities.

Reflect

The YMCA of Greater Erie encourages you to take the opportunity to REFLECT during Native American Heritage Month. What do you think of when you hear the term “Native American?” Many traditional stereotypes and biases are unknowingly hurtful, disrespectful, and inaccurate. Take the first step by recognizing and reflecting – then visit siouxymca.org/resources for videos and resources by Native American individuals and communities on this topic.

Connect

During Native American Heritage Month, the YMCA of Greater Erie invites you to take the opportunity to CONNECT with Native American individuals and communities in Erie.

Discover Native and Indigenous communities living in your local area and explore ways you can connect, learn, and support. Visit native-land.ca for more info.

Activate

The YMCA of Greater Erie encourages you to ACTIVATE your commitment to diversity and inclusion in Erie by supporting Native American authors, artists, and business owners during Native American Heritage Month. Pick up a new book penned by a Native American author or take the entire family out to a Native American-owned shop or restaurant – ask questions and get your children involved!

Did you know that of the 88 million Americans who have prediabetes, less than 16 percent are aware they have it? November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the YMCA of Greater Erie is encouraging Erie residents to understand their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and the steps to take to prevent the disease.

First, we invite you to take the 60-second American Diabetes Association’s risk test to find out if you’re at risk: https://diabetes.org/diabetes/risk-test.

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

Talk to Your Doctor

Use this moment as a reminder to talk to your healthcare 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 fall 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 decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. Carrying and refilling a reusable water bottle is an easy way to keep thirst (and sugary beverage temptation!) at bay.

October is Family Health Month, and the YMCA of Greater Erie is dedicated to supporting all families as they work to create healthier lifestyles for themselves and all of their loved ones. Check out these five easy ways you can create a healthier household today!

Eat Healthy

As you gather for meals, be mindful of the nutritional choices you make. The Y encourages a well-balanced diet, and you can get started with small, gradual changes! Check out this USDA healthy eating tip sheet, which is a great starting point for planning healthier meals for your family.

Daily Play

Put down the electronics and find time to play! Children need varying levels of physical activity each day depending on their age, so be sure to encourage play time. And when in doubt, the Y is here to help – we offer a wide variety of youth sports, fitness programs, and more for the entire family. Visit www.ymcaerie.org to learn more!

Together Time

Relationships are the heart of a healthy family. Prioritize quality time together – whether that’s catching up over dinner, playing a board game, or chatting about your day while out for a family stroll. These shared moments are what keep your relationship strong.

Get Outdoors

Great things happen in the great outdoors – make your time outside a family affair! Unplugging and enjoying nature is good for the body and mind. Make time for family park trips, and hikes, or simply take your furry four-legged friend on a walk together.

Prioritize Sleep

After all of this physical activity and mental stimulation – remember to get some well-deserved rest! Getting a good night’s sleep is beneficial both physically and mentally. Make sure you and all the members of your family are getting the recommended amount of sleep each night.

The YMCA of Greater Erie Board of Directors has announced that Jim McEldowney has been appointed as the NEW CEO for the YMCA of Greater Erie.

Chairwoman Julie Wilson shared McEldowney’s appointment announcement with the Y’s board, employees, and members at a special board meeting on September 14.

“The YMCA of Greater Erie is excited to welcome Jim into this new role and we look forward to everything that he will accomplish, not only for the Y, but for the Erie Community as well,” said Julie Wilson, YMCA of Greater Erie Chairwoman. Wilson served as chair for the ad-hoc search committee that worked with Y-USA to conduct a nationwide CEO search.

Jim currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for the YMCA of Greater Erie and is the Executive Director of the Glenwood location.  Jim has extensive YMCA knowledge and is an accomplished and passionate leader with an unparalleled commitment to community and economic development.

With almost 30 years of experience in serving the YMCA of Greater Erie, Jim has inspired the Y with the exceptional qualities that he will bring to the helm of our organization. 

Jim has an impressive track record of executing significant initiatives that have made the YMCA of Greater Erie better for the Erie Community. His work across the private and non-profit sectors makes him the ideal choice to lead as the Y continues to fulfill our mission of fostering opportunity for all. 

“I am so blessed to have been part of the YMCA of Greater Erie for the past 30 years.  I look forward to leading our wonderful staff and volunteers in helping to make a difference in the Erie Community,” said McEldowney.

Jim will begin serving his role as CEO on October 15^th, which also happens to begin his 30^th year of employment with the YMCA of Greater Erie.

Falls Prevention Awareness Week is September 18-22. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related ER visits for older adults, the major cause of hip fractures, and responsible for more than half of fatal head injuries. Below, the National Council on Aging shares 10 myths related to older adult falls.

After exploring these myths, the YMCA of Greater Erie wants to remind you that we are here to help! Our Moving For Better Balance Program is an evidence-based program that works to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and more. Visit www.ymcaerie.org for more info.

Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me.

Reality: Many people think, “It won’t happen to me.” But the truth is that 1 in 4 older adults fall every year in the U.S.

Myth 2: Falling is something normal that happens as you get older.

Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.

Myth 3: If I limit my activity, I won’t fall.

Reality: Some people believe that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit activity. Not true. Performing physical activities will help you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.

Myth 4: If I stay at home, I can avoid falling.

Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.

Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained.

Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you’ve been a “couch potato” your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many ways—including protection from falls.

Myth 6: Taking medication doesn’t increase my risk of falling.

Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when starting a new medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects or interactions of your medications.

Myth 7: I don’t need to get my vision checked every year.

Reality: Vision is another key risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that increase the risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low vision, there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.

Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.

Reality: Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to you and instruct you in its safe use.

Myth 9: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.

Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family, and anyone else who can help. They want to help you maintain your mobility and reduce your risk of falling.

Myth 10: I don’t need to talk to my parents, spouse, or other older adults if I’m concerned about their risk of falling. It will hurt their feelings, and it’s none of my business.

Reality: Let them know about your concerns and offer support to help them maintain the highest degree of independence possible. There are many things you can do, including removing hazards in the home, installing safety features like grab bars or walk-in bathtubs, finding a fall prevention program at the Y, or setting up a vision exam.

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as children and families start their new school year routines, it’s a perfect time to reflect and refresh your family’s healthy habits. As families settle into new school-year routines this month, The YMCA of Greater Erie is offering tips to help families incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their lives.

• Eat & Drink Healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options at every meal. As a family choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together. Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in the car and backpacks.

• Play Every Day/Go Outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and body moving.

• Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation, and clean up. In addition, adults should take a break from electronics and spend one-on-one time each day with their kids, enjoying one another’s company.

• Reduce Recreational Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone, or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home (i.e., turn off screens during meals, charge electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, go for a walk after a meal, and set a timer to remind you to power down the screen).

• Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule; unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure the body is preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night and seven to eight hours for adults.

We regret to inform you that our Small (warm) Pool at our Glenwood Park location is closed due to a mechanical issue.

All morning and evening swim lessons will be held in the Large (lap) Pool.

We will keep you informed on repairs and updates, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Throughout April, we’ve addressed the importance of understanding the Y’s abuse prevention policies, recognizing red flags and boundary violations and how to talk with your children about abuse. Now, it’s important that all parents and caregivers know how to respond to boundary violations and warning signs if children tell you about abuse. At the Y, we are mandated reporters, so we have procedures in place for responding and reporting suspected abuse. As a parent, you can follow these 5 steps:

1.  Keep your eyes & ears open

2.  Talk with your child

3.  Ask your child about any concerns you have.

4.  If what you learn from your child or what you have observed/overheard sounds like abuse, call Child Protective Services or the police.

5.  If what you’ve heard or observed sounds like a boundary violation, suspicious or inappropriate behavior, or a policy violation:

a. Share your concerns with the employee/supervisor/person in charge of the organization.

b. If you are unable to do this, make a report to the organization by making a call, sending an email, or submitting an online form.

Take Our Pledge to Prevent and Report Child Abuse

Many parents and caregivers find speaking to their children about abuse to be uncomfortable. Framing these conversations around other safety conversations you have may help you work through some of that uncomfortableness. Below you’ll find age-appropriate ways to talk to your child about boundaries and preventing abuse.

Young Children

Parents can start these conversations simply by ensuring young children know the correct names for their body parts. Children who know the proper names are able to talk more clearly to parents or other adults if something inappropriate happens. As you’re teaching body part names, you can help your child learn that parts of their body are private and that only their parents/caregivers can see them. Don’t forget to note that doctors may see them naked but only because you’re there with the doctor!

Equally important is to teach children boundaries both for themselves and for others. Boundaries have easily teachable moments, such as when a child doesn’t want to hug a relative, or during a tickle fight a child yells “Stop!”. Allowing young children to set their own boundaries teaches them body autonomy and helps them know when something makes them uncomfortable so that they can speak up.

Many abusers will tell a child to keep abuse a secret. It’s important that children understand that adults should never ask them to keep a secret, and if they do, they should tell you.

Teens

As children grow older, it’s key to keep lines of conversation open, so that they feel comfortable talking to parents or trusted adults if something happens to them or a friend. Talk to your teens about their friends, the other adults in their lives, social media and electronic communication. They need to know to not accept requests from people they don’t know, how to respond if someone (even a friend) asks them to send nude photos and that conversations online are never truly private. Continue the conversations about boundaries and what boundary violations look and feel like. Let them know that you are there to listen and support them.

Take Our Pledge to Prevent & Report Child Abuse.

At the Y, creating safe spaces for youth to learn, grow and thrive is our top priority. Kids need a safe space now more than ever, and we take pride in the measures we’ve taken to help keep your kids safe. Here are some important tips for parents to know as we work together to keep kids safe from abuse.

Offenders seek three things in order to abuse: access, privacy, and control.
What does this mean for a parent?

1. Know who has access to your children.  For example,
   1. When your children are at school, what are the school’s procedures for screening staff, volunteers, parents, etc.?
   1. When your children attend a sleepover, who will be in the home?
2. Know what type of privacy is allowed. For example,
   1. When your children play sports, can the coach be alone with a player?
   1. When camp is over, can the counselor text your child?
   1. When the program ends, is one adult ever alone with one child?
3. Know how offenders gain control through boundary violations. For example,
   1. Physical boundaries violations – Excessive tickling, hugging, massaging, etc.
   1. Emotional boundaries violations – Spending too much time with them; acting possessive; sharing personal information to make a child feel they have a special relationship, sending excessive or inappropriate texts or messages
   1. Behavioral boundaries – Offenders manipulate kids into doing things they wouldn’t otherwise do, such as: – Sneaking around – Keeping secrets – Looking at pornography – Use of drugs or alcohol

Take our pledge to prevent and report child abuse.

These healthy granola bars are the ideal portable snack that’s both sweet and salty. Trust us, these homemade chewy chocolate chip granola bars are much better than store-bought!

PREP TIME: 15 mins            COOK TIME: 25 mins                  CHILL TIME: 1 hr

TOTAL TIME: 1 hr 40 mins   COURSE: Snack                         CUISINE: American

SERVINGS: 12 servings CALORIES: 289kcal                    AUTHOR: Lisa Bryan

Ingredients

2 cups quick cooking oats (not old-fashioned rolled oats)

1 cup puffed rice

½ cup roughly chopped nuts

½ cup mini chocolate chips

¼ cup ground flaxseed

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

½ cup honey

⅓ cup creamy almond butter (or other nut/seed butter)

¼ cup coconut oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep. Preheat oven to 325°F/165°C. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, with the paper coming up the sides.

2. Stir the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, puffed rice, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, flaxseed, and salt.

3. Stir the wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, stir together the honey, almond butter, coconut oil, and vanilla, until smooth.

4. Mix together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir together until well combined.

5. Press the mixture. Scoop the mixture into the pan and press it into an even layer, using another piece of parchment paper to firmly press the mixture flat. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until barely starting to get a little bit of golden color around the edges for chewy granola bars. For crunchier bars bake 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.

6. Firm up. Let the granola bars cool to room temperature in the pan. Then place the pan in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up the granola bars completely. Gently lift the parchment paper out of the pan, and slice into granola bars.