American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, and as a leading community-based organization committed to improving the nation’s health, the YMCA of Greater Erie urges everyone to get a blood pressure screening. Revised blood pressure guidelines from American Heart Association mean that nearly half of all Americans (46 percent) have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often referred to as “The Silent Killer” because there are typically no warning signs or symptoms.

While high blood pressure and heart disease are serious conditions the good news is that a healthy heart is an achievable goal through lifestyle changes such as lowering sodium intake, eating healthier and getting more physical activity. Getting help can be as easy as taking part in the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program or other chronic disease prevention programs offered by the Y. You may also be interested in educational articles in the Y’s blog.

Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording your blood pressure at least twice a month over a four-month period, along with regular physical activity, proper nutrition and reducing sodium intake, may lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

American Heart Month Events and Activities:

Walking for Wellness Walking Challenge – With a small, achievable goal of 3,500 steps every day, we hope to smoothly and easily integrate an aspect of fitness into your day-to-day. Enroll via our YMCA Mobile App available for free download in Google Play and Apple Stores. Search YMCA Universal.

Heart Month Daily Wellness Activities – Post this friendly downloadable calendar in a highly visible place.

Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Class – Rolling enrollment – This 4-month, evidence-based program helps adults with hypertension lower and manage their blood pressure. Open to the public.

Blood Pressure Screening, Feb. 2, 2022, 8:30-11:30 a.m. @ our Eastside location, 2101 Nagle Road. Free and open to the public.

National Wear Red Day – Feb. 4, 2022 – Join women around the country for National Wear Red Day to raise awareness of heart disease in women.

Blood Drive – Feb. 4, 2022, 8 a.m. -1 p.m. @ our Eastside location, 2101 Nagle Road

Valentine’s for Veterans – Feb. 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. @ our Eastside location, 2101 Nagle Road to make or sign a Valentine for Veterans

Blood Pressure Screening, Feb. 9, 8:30-11:30 a.m. @ our Glenwood location, 3727 Cherry Street. Free and open to the public.

Blood Pressure Screening, Feb. 16, 8:30-11:30 a.m. @ our Downtown location, 31 West 10th Street. Free and open to the public.

Tobacco Cessation/QUIT Class, begins Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m. @ our Downtown location, 31 West 10th Street. Free 6-week class provides tobacco cessation education, peer support and free nicotine replacement therapies. Funded by the Erie County Department of Health. Registration required. Free and open to the public.

Blood Pressure Screening, Feb. 23, 8:30-11:30 a.m. @ our County location, 12285 YMCA Drive, Edinboro. Free and open to the public.

Health Speaker Series, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. @ our Eastside location, 2101 Nagle Road, Gina Kloft, Division Director, American Heart Association. Free and open to the public.

Online Educational Resources

Heart Healthy Vegetable Soup

Benefits of Calling an Old Friend

Stretching: Focus on Flexibility

Hydrating Foods

Staying Hydrated, Staying Healthy

Vegetarian Burrito Recipe

Gratitude Practice for a Healthier Heart

Invoke Your Relaxation Response

Healthy Drink Options

HEALTHY Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Ways to Manage Stress

SUMMER OUT LOUD WITH A Y MEMBERSHIP

The sounds of summer are back at the YMCA of Greater Erie.  JOIN TODAY!

With indoor and outdoor pools and water features, an AIR PILLOW, sprawling green spaces, and family fun that’s close to home, a summer Y membership is just what you need to soak up SUMMER.

Families join with zero enrollment fee and pay just $199 for the summer.  JOIN TODAY!

It’s time to SUMMER OUT LOUD!

How will you SUMMER OUT LOUD?

    • Outdoor group classes like Water Fitness, Boot Camp and Pilates

    • Outdoor swimming pools and water features at Camp Sherwin and Eastside locations

    • On-Demand library of hundreds of workouts adaptable for indoors and out in Y360.

Flexible Summer Membership Options

Our lives require flexibility and the Y is committed to ensuring our members have membership options that fit your busy schedule. Summer memberships are available for purchase May 11-June 11 and will be valid until Sept. 30, 2024.  JOIN TODAY!

Adult – $130
Young Adult- $125
Couple – $185
Sr. Adult – $110
Family – $199
Youth – $70

Drive-by for Wellness

Erie, PA – The YMCA of Greater Erie will host a “drive-by” health and wellness fair on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at its County, Glenwood Park and Eastside locations. Local health and wellness agencies have provided the Y with educational materials and promotional items that are being packaged in bags and will be distributed curbside to the community.

“During a pandemic, it’s more important than ever to talk about health and wellness concerns and reducing risks for chronic disease. The Y has organized over 30 vendors who will provide tips and information on a variety of topics, such as joint replacement, diabetes prevention, hospice services, and safely keeping active while social distancing,” said Karen McLellan, community engagement and communications coordinator for the YMCA of Greater Erie.

The event is free and open to the public. Get more information here.

County Y- 12285 YMCA Drive, Edinboro
Glenwood Park Y- 3727 Cherry Street, Erie
Eastside Family Y- 2101 Nagle Road, Erie

Shamrocking Family Fun

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Not sure how to celebrate at home this year with your family? No worries – we’ve got some resources for Shamrocking Family Fun! ☘️

Books and Songs:

Pete The Cat:  The Great Leprechaun Chase:  https://rb.gy/pbmyrd

How To Catch A Leprechaun:  https://rb.gy/rziphc

The Story of The Leprechaun:  https://rb.gy/eutzsv

The Unicorn Song:  https://rb.gy/wy3us9

I’m a Little Leprechaun Song:  https://rb.gy/ncq1lg

Arts and Crafts:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/811844270316518673/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/400820435558505900/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/851532242032340123/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/598275131736628206/

Workouts:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/340162578077364353/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/139048707217336064/