Physical inactivity is widely considered one of the 21st century's biggest public health concerns, contributing to chronic diseases and conditions like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. To help address the problem, YMCA of Birmingham is expanding its Y Active Weight Loss program, which addresses diet and exercise jointly, to Trussville in September.
Birmingham, Ala. (PRWEB) August 12, 2011
Nearly one out of every three adults in Alabama is obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The state leads the nation in prevalence of diabetes. More than 30 percent of Alabamians are considered sedentary, meaning they get no physical activity.
As a solution to the problem, the YMCA of Birmingham (a Health Action Partner) launched its Y Active Weight Loss program (YAWL), which addresses diet and exercise through journaling, private weigh-ins, nutritional information, group personal training and support from other participants.
In September, the Trussville YMCA will become the fourth branch in Jefferson County to offer Y Active Weight Loss, joining the Greystone, Shades Valley and Vestavia branches. YAWL is $45 for YMCA members and $100 for non-members, but the fee does include citywide gym access.
“Countless studies have proven, irrefutably, that physical activity reduces the risk of multiple health problems such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and stroke,” says Dr. Sophia Lal, a physician at Fagan Sports Medicine in Homewood, Ala.
Dr. Lal is one of the area’s leading advocates for Exercise is Medicine, which asks physicians to consider exercise for patients who suffer from chronic conditions that result from physical inactivity or obesity. One of the goals of EIM is to improve access and affordability of exercise for those most at-risk of chronic disease.
Four local wellness facilities now accept Exercise is Medicine prescriptions: YMCA of Birmingham, Lakeshore Foundation, Levite Jewish Community Center and UAB Campus Recreation Center. Each fitness center provides membership perks or special programs designed for new members who join with an EIM prescription.
The IRS allows individuals to take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for these reduced membership dues or program fees — such as YAWL — incurred though EIM. Of course, there are rules to follow in order to qualify, but this is a breath of fresh air to those who may not otherwise be able to afford gym memberships and personal trainers.
Carla Y. Smith joined Y Active Weight Loss at the Greystone branch and has lost nine pounds along the way. She says she has adjusted her diet and nutrition, and has even started incorporated Pilates, yoga, free weights and cycling into her routine.
MASA, Jefferson County Medical Society and the Jefferson County Board of Health have all endorsed Exercise is Medicine over the past year. A growing number of Jefferson County doctors are participating in the program.
A list of physicians who utilize Exercise is Medicine can be found online at http://www.ymcabham.org. For more information about Y Active Weight Loss program, call Caroline Bundy at 205.801.7212. Visit http://www.exerciseismedicine.org to learn more about Exercise is Medicine.
About Champions for Health
Champions for Health is an initiative of the Jefferson County Health Action Partnership, a coalition of nineteen area nonprofits working alongside the Jefferson County Department of Health to encourage physical activity, reduce obesity, expand food access, advance smokefree policies and improve the overall health of Jefferson County residents. Champions for Health is made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services through the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) program. Learn more about the campaign online at http://www.championsforhealth.org.
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Michael Hansen
The Modern Brand Co
205.705.3779
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