Category: family

2024 Eastside Turkey Trot

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

Get Ready for the Eastside Turkey Trot 5K: A Thanksgiving Tradition You Won’t Want to Miss!

Lace up your sneakers and get ready to burn off some pre-Thanksgiving calories at the Eastside Turkey Trot 5K! This fun and festive event, happening on Thanksgiving morning, is a partnership between the Eastern Community YMCA and Second Sole of Toledo. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, casual walker, or somewhere in between, the Turkey Trot is the perfect way to kick off your holiday celebrations.

Race Day Details:

  • When? Thursday, November 28, 2024
  • Where? Eastern Community YMCA, 2960 Pickle Road, Oregon, Ohio (or choose our Virtual Option)
  • Race Time: Registration opens at 7:30 AM, and the race kicks off at 9:00 AM!

Why Should You Join?

It’s more than just a race – it’s a Thanksgiving tradition! With a fast 5K road course, you’ll run (or walk) through city streets, all starting and finishing at the YMCA. And if you’re really speedy, be the first male or female to reach the one-mile mark and win a turkey – yes, the runner, not the turkey, has to finish the race!

Awards & Prizes:

There’s something for everyone:

  • Overall Male/Female & Masters (40+) and Grand Masters winners get gift certificates from Second Sole.
  • Age group awards go at least five deep, so there’s plenty of chances to win.
  • And don’t forget the Costume Contest! Show off your best turkey-inspired outfit for a shot at the Best Overall Costume, Best Turkey Look Alike, or Race Director’s Choice.

Race Day Perks:

  • Shirts: Pre-register by November 17th to score a LONG SLEEVE TRIBLEND shirt and a $10 Second Sole shoe discount.
  • Refreshments: Post-race goodies include fruit, baked goods, and sports drinks. You’ll also get quick results with disposable bib chips so you can head home and enjoy your Thanksgiving feast.
  • Early Packet Pickup: Beat the rush by grabbing your race packet at Second Sole on November 26th and 27th.

How to Register:

  • Pre-register by November 17th for just $24.
  • Late Registration/Day of Race: $30.
  • Register online at runsignup.com or in person at Second Sole for a $2 discount!

Can’t make it in person? No worries! We have a Virtual Option so you can still support the YMCA Scholarship Fund and keep the tradition alive from wherever you are.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today, bring your friends and family, and start your Thanksgiving with a little extra fun and fitness at the Eastside Turkey Trot!

Sign Up Today!

Honoring Our Heroes: YMCA Programs Supporting Military Families and First Responders

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

As we enter Military Family Month this November, the YMCA of Greater Toledo is proud to celebrate the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of our active duty military, veterans, first responders, and their families. With a range of programs and memberships, we’re here to support the health, wellness, and overall well-being of these heroes in our community, offering specialized memberships, discounted rates, and partnerships tailored to their unique needs.

Task Force 20 Membership: Supporting Veterans with PTSD

In partnership with Task Force 20, a local non-profit, the YMCA offers veterans struggling with PTSD a way to improve their mental health through fitness and wellness programs. Task Force 20’s mission is to connect veterans to supportive activities that help reduce the rate of veteran suicide. Veterans interested in joining the YMCA under the Task Force 20 Membership can reach out to Task Force 20 directly to start this journey.

Hero Discount Membership: Giving Back to Those Who Give So Much

For active duty military, veterans, and first responders, we offer a 15% discount on memberships. This discount is our way of honoring the service and dedication of these individuals. Signing up is simple: visit any of our 10 YMCA locations, let our membership team know you’re applying for the Hero Discount Membership, and provide the required documentation within seven days.

Department of Armed Forces Membership through YMCA Military Outreach

The YMCA of Greater Toledo also participates in the Department of Defense’s Armed Forces Military Outreach Programs. Through this initiative, we offer memberships for military families. Members interested in enrolling should contact their Commanding Officer for further details.

25 Years of Supporting Military Families

For over 25 years, YMCAs across the country have celebrated Military Family Month in November, providing an opportunity for Americans to recognize the sacrifices of military personnel and their families. Throughout the year, YMCA’s programs and initiatives offer spaces for families to connect, kids to build friendships, and adults to achieve their health and wellness goals.

The YMCA’s Military Outreach Initiative has provided over 87,000 Y memberships to military members and families nationwide, and over 164,000 children have benefited from childcare support. The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), in partnership with the U.S. government, continues to support these families through programs like the Respite Child Care program.

Learn More

Military Family Month is a time to recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by our military families, and the YMCA of Greater Toledo is committed to supporting these families all year long. Whether through specialized memberships, childcare services, or community programs, we’re here for you.

To learn more about the Y’s military programming visit our hero opportunities webpage .

Thank you to all of our local heroes and their families!

Ten Older Adult Falls Myths from the National Council on Aging

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

Falls Prevention Awareness Week is September 23-27. Falls are the leading cause of injury related ER visits for older adults, the major cause of hip fractures and responsible for more than half of fatal head injuries. Below, the National Council on Aging shares 10 myths related to older adult falls.

After exploring these myths, theYMCA of Greater Toledo wants to remind you that we are here to help! Our Tai Chi for Falls Prevention is an evidence-based program that works to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility and more. Visit our Chronic Disease and Prevention page for more info.

Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me.

Reality: Many people think, “It won’t happen to me.” But the truth is that 1 in 4 older adults fall every year in the U.S.

Myth 2: Falling is something normal that happens as you get older.

Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your medications, having your vision checked and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.

Myth 3: If I limit my activity, I won’t fall.

Reality: Some people believe that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit activity. Not true. Performing physical activities will help you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.

Myth 4: If I stay at home, I can avoid falling.

Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.

Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained.

Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you’ve been a “couch potato” your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many ways—including protection from falls.

Myth 6: Taking medication doesn’t increase my risk of falling.

Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when starting a new medication. Talk to your health care provider about potential side effects or interactions of your medications.

Myth 7: I don’t need to get my vision checked every year.

Reality: Vision is another key risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that increase the risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low vision there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.

Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.

Reality: Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to you and instruct you in its safe use.

Myth 9: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.

Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family and anyone else who can help. They want to help you maintain your mobility and reduce your risk of falling.

Myth 10: I don’t need to talk to my parents, spouse, or other older adults if I’m concerned about their risk of falling. It will hurt their feelings, and it’s none of my business.

Reality: Let them know about your concerns and offer support to help them maintain the highest degree of independence possible. There are many things you can do, including removing hazards in the home, installing safety features like grab bars or walk-in bathtubs, finding a falls prevention program at the Y or setting up a vision exam.

Refresh Healthy Habits this School Year with the Y

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as children and families start their new school year routines, it’s a perfect time to reflect on and refresh your family’s healthy habits. As families settle into new school-year routines this month, the YMCA of Greater Toledo is offering tips to help Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan families incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their lives.

Eat & Drink Healthy

Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three servings at every meal. As a family choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together. Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in cars and back packs.

Play Every Day/ Go Outside

Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and body moving.

Get Together

Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation and clean up. In addition, take a break from electronics and spend one-to-one time each day together, enjoying one another’s company.

Reduce Recreational Screen Time

Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home (i.e., turn off screens during meals, charge electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, go for a walk after a meal, set a timer to remind you to power down the screen).

Sleep Well

Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule; unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure your bodies are preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night. Adults should aim for seven to eight hours nightly.

YMCA of Greater Toledo and Imagination Station Announce the June Membership Swap

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

Toledo, OH –  June is the month for double the fun and double the benefits for YMCA of Greater Toledo and Imagination Station Members. Again this year, the two organizations are partnering to hold their Membership Swap for the entire month of June. This partnership allows members of either organization to experience the benefits and programs of the other at no additional cost. 

“We are thrilled to partner once again with Imagination Station for our annual Membership Swap,” said Shonna Moon, Executive Director of Membership of YMCA of Greater Toledo. “This initiative not only provides added value to our members but also fosters a sense of community by connecting families with new experiences.”

“Imagination Station is excited to welcome YMCA members into the science center to discover, learn and make memories,” said Aubry Hall, Membership and Volunteer Manager at Imagination Station. “Summer is the perfect time for families to explore our community. This partnership encourages healthy, active lifestyles while inspiring a love for STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.”

What: Annual Membership Swap between YMCA of Greater Toledo and Imagination Station

When: June 1 – June 30, 2024

Details: Throughout the month of June, YMCA members will have free access to Imagination Station, Toledo’s hands-on science center, while Imagination Station members can enjoy full access to all YMCA of Greater Toledo facilities. This unique opportunity encourages families to explore new activities, promote physical wellness, and inspire scientific curiosity.

YMCA Members at Imagination Station:

  • Free science center admission for YMCA of Greater Toledo members

Imagination Station Members at YMCA:

  • Free access to YMCA of Greater Toledo branches

  • Participation in fitness classes, enjoy our outdoor swimming pools (Eastern Community YMCA & Sylvania YMCA / JCC), gym facilities and Family Fun Zones 

How to Participate:

Members must present their valid membership card and a photo ID at the respective facility’s front desk to enjoy reciprocal benefits.

For more information about the Membership Swap, visit https://www.ymcatoledo.org/imagination-station-membership-swap/ 

 

 

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About YMCA of Greater Toledo: The YMCA of Greater Toledo is dedicated to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. With 10 area branch locations offering a wide range of programs, the YMCA is committed to strengthening the community.


About Imagination Station: Imagination Station provides a critical layer of science enrichment by serving as an educational partner for teachers, schools and parents. It’s with a thoughtful blend of exhibits, experiences, education and excitement that Imagination Station inspires visitors to pursue STEM careers in Northwest Ohio.

 

The Y is Here to Help you Prepare for Back to School!

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

August is National Back to School Month. To prepare, the YMCA of Greater Toledo is sharing three ways you can make sure your back-to-school season is a success!

Enroll in YMCA Child Care Before and After-school  Programming Today

When school is out, the Y is in! In honor of National Back to School Month, the Y wants to remind you of all our great before and after-school programming, to ensure your child is taken care of before or after their school day! The YMCA of Greater Toledo has a total of 23 before and after-school sites. Click here to register or learn more. Also, if you’re interested in joining our Child Care team, we are hiring, and encourage you to apply today.  

Communicate Routines and Expectations

The Y wants your family to be prepared for back-to-school season! Here is your friendly reminder to make sure you have everything on your child’s classroom supply list, reset those summer bedtimes well before the big day, and communicate any changes in routine with the entire family. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and safe back-to-school season!

Attend Our Back to School Bash

From crayons to notebooks, many classrooms, and the students who fill them, need school supplies this time of year! In celebration of National Back to School Month, the YMCA of Greater Toledo wants to invite you to our Back to School Bash. Join us on Saturday, August 19 from noon to 2 pm at the Sylvania YMCA/JCC.  

We are so excited about the school year and want you to know that the YMCA is here to support you. 

Back To School Bash

Saturday, August 19 | 12-2pm
Sylvania YMCA and JCC

Mental Health Awareness & Resources

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

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 

Ripple Effects of Mental Illness

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.

  • People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. People with serious mental illness are nearly twice as likely to develop these conditions.
  •  32.1% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2020 (17 million individuals)
  • The rate of unemployment is higher among U.S. adults who have a mental illness (6.4%) compared to those who do not (5.1%)
  • High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers
  • Students aged 6-17 with mental, emotional, or behavioral concerns are 3x more likely to repeat a grade.

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.

Find Your Fun, Find Your Y at Healthy Kids Day!

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

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 

Nine Healthy Eating Tips for the Entire Family!

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

By Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN in partnership with Eggland’s Best

Make nutrition fun when you involve the entire family. Here are 9 tips that can help keep your family happy and healthy. 

1. Post a snack list on the fridge

Have a list posted on the fridge of available and healthy snacks so it’s more likely everyone will choose those nourishing options when hunger hits. Snacks that have protein + produce are great options such as an Eggland’s Best hard-cooked egg + cucumbers, nut butter + celery, cheese stick + apple, edamame + orange slices, or yogurt + berries.

2. Play “Try It Tuesday”

Trying new foods is such a great way to get a wide variety of nutrition and create more adventurous eaters. Make Tuesday the day each week to open everyone’s mind & palate to try a new snack, a new side dish, a new recipe, or even just take a bite of a new fruit or veggie.

3. Team up in the kitchen

Cooking together makes it feel more fun and when kids play a role in prepping, they are more likely to enjoy the meal. Teaching kids how to cook is a valuable life skill that you can start teaching at any age, it’s never too early or late. And bonus, the better kids get in the kitchen, the less work it ends up being for parents!

4. Count the color on your plate

One of the best ways to eat better is by adding more colorful fruits & veggies to meals and snacks. So have kids count the colors on their plate and the more colors the better. Take it to the next level and create a family chart to track the colors eaten through the week or month!

5. Learn the superpowers of each food group

Each food group does powerful things in your body. And when kids (and adults) focus on the superpower benefits of food, it becomes more meaningful and fun to choose nourishing options. For example:

· Protein foods like Eggland’s Best eggs, chicken, and beans help grow and repair muscles.

· Fruits & veggies give us vitamins & minerals to protect our cells.

· Whole grains like whole wheat, oats, and brown rice give us energy.

· Fats like nuts, avocados, and olive oil support our organs.


6. Create a water station

Staying hydrated helps keep us healthy and energized. Keep a pitcher of water that’s easy to see on the counter or in the fridge. And nearby have cups/water bottles and some slices of cucumbers, lemons, limes, oranges, mint, and/or berries so kids can create their own special flavor combos. Keeping water available and fun encourages the whole family to drink more of it.

7. Give everyone their own day of the week

To help make dinner a peaceful, complaint-free zone, give each family member a day of the week when they pick what’s for dinner. It makes planning easier and kids love having a say in what they are eating. Pro-tip: Even when kids ask for mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, or pizza, you can make those classics healthier by rounding out the meal with plenty of veggies.

8. Make dinner a digital detox

Enjoy mealtime without phones, games, or TV. It creates more mindful meals and more connection and conversation. Need help coming up with what to talk about, read the next tip!

9. Create a bowl of conversation starters

Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with things to talk about at the dinner table, so write questions on pieces of paper, put them in a bowl, and each night grab one or two to help get the conversation flowing. Questions like “What was the best part of your day, What was the funniest thing you heard/saw today, If you got one wish from a genie what would yours be?”