![[YMCA of Greater Toledo LOGO SQ]](https://recliquecore.s3.amazonaws.com/imgs/ymca_logos/named_y/blue_purple.png)
![[YMCA of Greater Toledo LOGO FULL]](https://s3.amazonaws.com/recliquecore/imgs/ymca_logos/named/blue_purple.png)
“I have Parkinson’s Disease. Before coming to the Y, I had very limited mobility and bad balance, requiring me to use a walker at all times. I joined the Y and started participating in The Healthy Living, Parkinson’s Class. I started seeing improvements in my health and went from using a walker to a cane. I also added Balance and Brain classes to my schedule. My balance and mobility have improved so much and now I am no longer reliant on my cane.”
– Maryetta Betz, Eastern Community YMCA Member
Participating in exercise challenges can have a positive impact on mental health. It can help in reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Moreover, exercise challenges provide a sense of achievement and improve self-esteem. Social interaction and a support network are additional benefits of participating in exercise challenges that can contribute to overall well-being.
During the month of May, YMCA members can participate in a BINGO Wellness Challenge.
The BINGO squares can be completed by completing a variety of YMCA activities or practicing healthy habits such as;
How to Play:
Are you ready to join the challenge? Download your BINGO card today!
The YMCA is committed to helping building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our programs and facilities clearly help people exercise their bodies, which also benefits their mental and emotional states. Our programs bring people together to achieve personal goals in group settings. We’re social beings, and this too helps our mental health.
We aim to raise awareness of resources for those dealing with mental health challenges, as well as their loved ones.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better
lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness
United Way 211 Hotline
United Way 211 is a free and anonymous information and referral service available to anyone in Lucas, Ottawa or Wood County with a health or human service need. 211 has a database of over thousands of different health and human service resources for residents of Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties in Ohio, and Lenawee and Monroe counties in Michigan.
988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to call any time
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and
crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United
States.
YMCA360
Free on-demand and livestream video platform (website and app) available to YMCA members;
the “Mind & Body” videos/classes may be of particular interest.
Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio
The Area Office on Aging promotes the health, well-being and safety of older adults, persons
with disabilities and family caregivers to foster independence.
Lenawee Department on Aging
Monroe County Commission on Aging
Having a mental illness can make it challenging to live everyday life and maintain recovery. Let’s look at some of the ways mental illness can impact lives — and how the impact can ripple out.
Source: NAMI.org
If you’re struggling mentally, or know someone who might be, take the first step by raising your awareness and understanding of mental health and the resources in our community that can help.
YMCA Storer Camps, and the Eastern Community and West Toledo YMCAs will each host an event in honor of the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day®. The West Toledo YMCA will kick off Healthy Kids Day® on April 29 at 10 am, and YMCA Storer Camps’ event to follow at 1 pm. The Eastern Community Y’s event will be held on May 3 at 5:30 pm. These free events will feature various family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families, and a healthy start to the summer season.
In celebration of this annual kick-off to summer, we are sharing a list of five activities we encourage you to share with your kids. The goal is to have them try something new at the Y by promoting a variety of opportunities to get involved in the active play – hopefully, this will inspire a lifetime love of physical and mental activity! Share these opportunities with your children and inspire them to “find their fun” by discovering an activity they love!
Find Your Swimming Skills with Y Swim Lessons
Each year the Y teaches hundreds of children to swim. This helps them find their CONFIDENCE, teaches a lifelong skill, and introduces them to lifelong fun. Visit this link to learn more about Y swim lessons.
Find Your Adventure with Y Summer Camp
Summer is a time for kids to explore new things and expand the limits of their imagination. At the YMCA of Geater Toledo, every day is a new adventure! Whether experiencing the wonder of YMCA Storer summer overnight camp or having a blast with new friends at summer day camp, many children and teens find their ADVENTURE with the Y. Visit our summer webpage to learn more about Y summer camp.
Find Your Passion with Y Sports
Youth sports are just the start of something bigger– besides teaching healthy living principles, they also teach the value of teamwork, help fuel determination, and build character. At the YMCA of Greater Toledo, we have several sports programs to help keep children active while igniting their PASSION for something greater. Visit the youth sports and programs webpage to learn more.
Find Your Voice with Y Teen Programs
We believe young people have the power to change the world. Our teen and young adult programs are designed to help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to lead positive change in the community and beyond. Visit the Y Achiever’s webpage to learn more about Y teen programs.
For more information on Healthy Kids Day, visit ymca.org
