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LIVESTRONG at the YMCAWhat is LIVESTRONG at the YMCA? Research has indicated that physical activity after cancer treatments helps to reduce fatigue, improve mood, and increase muscle strength and physical endurance. With 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States today, there is a great need to offer those living with, through and beyond cancer a safe and accommodating environment where they can engage in physical and social activities. How are the YMCA and LAF working together to improve the lives of people affected by cancer? The LAF wants to support cancer survivors in their return to physical activity and we found the perfect collaborator—the YMCA. Collectively, the YMCA is one of the nation’s largest, not-for-profit providers of health and well-being programs. Approximately 57 percent of U.S. households are within three miles of a YMCA, so whether you are a current member of your local YMCA, grew up going to the Y or have just heard of it, you likely are somehow connected to the Y either directly or indirectly. To ensure that LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is safe and effective, we have worked with YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for YMCAs, and a group of expert advisors to gather best practices related to physical activity and cancer survivors. We have also identified the many ways YMCA staff can engage and support people affected by cancer in their communities and how they will provide a positive, learning environment to help survivors meet their personal health and well-being goals during treatment and beyond. In 2008 and 2009, the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program was piloted in 10 cities across the country. By 2010, our goal is to expand the program to at least 150 YMCAs nationwide.
YMCA Pilot Program Descriptions How can you get involved?
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