MONROE - The Green County Family YMCA supports families and individuals during challenging and uncertain times, like those the community is facing right now as a result of the economic downturn.
"The events of this past year have affected all of us in one way or another, leaving us feeling stressed, and anxious with a fear of losing control. This is a time to look to family, friends and community for support. Schedule time in your day to play with your children, take a walk with a friend, become involved in community projects and exercise", said Carol Clay, Green County Family YMCA Fitness Director.
This is a good time for families and individuals to renew their focus on three areas that the YMCA believes form the foundation for strong, healthy families and communities:
Physical exercise
Physical exercise, even at moderate levels, can reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. Over the long term, regular exercise can ward against the physical and financial toll of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Experts agree that investing in health and well-being always offers a positive return.
Family
strengthening
Family strengthening is equally important. Make family time a priority and include children in discussions about how to trim budgets. Eating dinner as a family or enjoying a Saturday afternoon activity together can bring families closer and reinforce the idea that family members support one another in difficult times.
Connections to community
Connections to community bind people together, offer support and give people an important sense of belonging. Getting engaged in one's community, volunteering to help others in need and enjoying friendship and camaraderie enrich lives and make individuals, families and communities stronger and more resilient.
Reid Stangel, Executive Director of the Green County Family YMCA added, "Now is not the time to sacrifice your health. Our Partner with Youth membership program allows everyone to belong to the YMCA, regardless of their economic situation. At the YMCA, your monthly dues are based on your annual household income, which means that even if you've lost a job or been laid off, you and your family can still come to the YMCA for better spirit, mind and body health."
For more information on YMCA programs, including Partner with Youth memberships, please call (608) 325-2003. The YMCA strives to turn no one away due to inability to pay.
"The events of this past year have affected all of us in one way or another, leaving us feeling stressed, and anxious with a fear of losing control. This is a time to look to family, friends and community for support. Schedule time in your day to play with your children, take a walk with a friend, become involved in community projects and exercise", said Carol Clay, Green County Family YMCA Fitness Director.
This is a good time for families and individuals to renew their focus on three areas that the YMCA believes form the foundation for strong, healthy families and communities:
Physical exercise
Physical exercise, even at moderate levels, can reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. Over the long term, regular exercise can ward against the physical and financial toll of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Experts agree that investing in health and well-being always offers a positive return.
Family
strengthening
Family strengthening is equally important. Make family time a priority and include children in discussions about how to trim budgets. Eating dinner as a family or enjoying a Saturday afternoon activity together can bring families closer and reinforce the idea that family members support one another in difficult times.
Connections to community
Connections to community bind people together, offer support and give people an important sense of belonging. Getting engaged in one's community, volunteering to help others in need and enjoying friendship and camaraderie enrich lives and make individuals, families and communities stronger and more resilient.
Reid Stangel, Executive Director of the Green County Family YMCA added, "Now is not the time to sacrifice your health. Our Partner with Youth membership program allows everyone to belong to the YMCA, regardless of their economic situation. At the YMCA, your monthly dues are based on your annual household income, which means that even if you've lost a job or been laid off, you and your family can still come to the YMCA for better spirit, mind and body health."
For more information on YMCA programs, including Partner with Youth memberships, please call (608) 325-2003. The YMCA strives to turn no one away due to inability to pay.
