The Greater Beverly YMCA and Lahey Health Launch Healthy Living Initiative

The YMCA and Beverly Hospital, a member of Lahey Health, share the vision of reducing the incidence of obesity, coronary artery disease and diabetes and are launching a "Healthy Living & Nutrition Initiative". This program is a 12-week comprehensive nutrition, exercise and behavioral modification program for adult members of the YMCA.

"When I took stock of the current condition of our nation's health and all that we had to offer at the Y, I believed there were ways we could go deeper and bring more to those we serve,"  says Andrew Walker, Senior Director of Membership and Wellness. "Proper nutrition along with regular physical activity are the cornerstones to a healthy lifestyle. We offer many programs at our Y to keep people active and healthy, but what about people with more serious health risks? In order to properly reach this at risk population, it was clear we would need to bring in the services of experienced Registered Dieticians to help with meal planning, in-depth, specific caloric intake recommendation and analysis of nutrients and drug interactions."

Historically, the Greater Beverly YMCA and Beverly Hospital have been partners in promoting the health and well-being of Y members. "It was natural that we reach out to them and collaborate on a new program. They immediately agreed with our purpose for this initiative and dove right in to bring a nutrition based obesity, coronary artery disease and diabetes mitigation program to our Y," says Walker.

This free program was made possible by a generous grant from the Evelyn Lilly Lutz Foundation. It is offered to members, who will begin by attending an initial screening at the Greater Beverly YMCA. Y members who qualify will be scheduled for an initial visit with a dietician, followed by group classes at the Y. All YMCA members who participate in the initial screening process will be offered a courtesy appointment for basic meal planning.

After the screening determines eligibility, participants will learn about the relationship between chronic disease and nutrition, daily dietary intake, carbohydrate/calorie counting, meal planning, blood glucose monitory (if applicable), weight, waist/hip measurement and establishment of at least one nutrition goal, all during the initial visit. Following the initial visit, group classes will be held for participants to learn sustainable healthy eating and exercise habits.

Because the goals are overall health, wellness and major disease prevention, measurable results such as weight, blood pressure and glucose levels are important to the individual, but the most important factor for success of the program is participation.

"It is our hope, through this program, that participants will have an increased sense of motivation, a safe direction for the pursuit of lifestyle changes, and a support system to sustain healthy habits long term," says Walker.

Initial Screening Dates:
• Tuesday, May 7, 10:00am-12:00pm
• Thursday, May 9, 4:00-6:00pm
• Tuesday, May 14, 10:00am-12:00pm
• Thursday, May 16, 4:00-6:00pm

For more information and to sign-up for screenings, contact: Andrew Walker 978-564-3486walkera@northshoreymca.org