3 min read

On the Radio

I need to extend a hearty THANK YOU to Gina Kaufmann and Matthew Long-Middleton for providing me with an opportunity to be their guest this morning on KCURs Central Standard. I was quite nervous, never having participated in a live radio show. I think I was most nervous about possibly having to discuss the current Health Care Reform challenges! Fortunately, this question did not arise :-) I was excited to be on the air the day after Misty Copeland. If you were not able to listen to the interview with Misty Copeland live you can listen to the recording here.

I did want to highlight a few points that we discussed on the air today.

The Y of Greater Kansas City is at the forefront of a national movement that envisions a closer connection to community resources and health care. Community Integrated Health is a collaborative approach that aims to intentionally strengthen the relationships between traditional health care systems and community-based organizations to help all community members live their healthiest lives and attain their maximum health potential.
The Y is not just a "swim and gym". The Y has been delivering evidence-based health interventions for more than 10 years. At the end of this post is a summary of some of the program offered by the Y of Greater Kansas City. Our Healthy Living team will work with you (with input from your healthcare provider when indicated) to develop a personalized set of SMART goals that will help you achieve your well-being objectives. Our doors are open to all, we meet you where you are and we will be there to assist on every step of your journey.
We need a digital strategy to better connect the community (drop the mic).
The only limitations that exist on what you can achieve in life are those you allow to exist. Each and every one of us will have mountains to climb and sometimes it may feel like you are climbing Mt. Everest. You don't have to go on the journey alone. There are many opportunities to learn from others who may have walked a similar path. From both a personal and a community perspective, paraphrasing the words of Muhammad Ali "If our minds can conceive it, and our hearts can believe it - then we can achieve it."

There was such a great dialog today with Gina that I could go on but there is always another day. I hope to have another opportunity to share what the Y is doing with our partners across Kansas City on a future episode of Central Standard. Thanks, again, KCUR.

The Y of Greater Kansas City offers numerous programs that focus on health and well-being.

PROMOTE WELL BEING

The Y Well-Being Membership includes free wellness programs which connect members to trained professionals dedicated to helping them meet their fitness goals.
Fitness Consultation – helps members identify their healthy living goals.
Coaching Connection - six free one-on-one sessions with a Healthy Living Coach, providing a customized wellness plan to get members on the path to achieving their goals.

REDUCE RISK

YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is an evidence-based approach to help at risk adults reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. This 12-month program provides a supportive environment to achieve the goals of reducing individual weight by 7% and building up to 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

RECLAIM HEALTH

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week wellness program for adult cancer survivors, led by a certified cancer exercise specialist. Groups meet two (2) times per week and focus on building muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and stability. The program also includes discussions on the importance of emotional well-being of survivors and their families.
Enhance Fitness is an evidence-based, therapeutic arthritis exercise class focused on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility— everything adults need to maintain health and function as they age.
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring is an evidence-based program that may lower blood pressure. Includes personalized support through eight (8) one – on - one meetings and weekly check-in calls from a Healthy Heart Ambassador, four (4) nutritional education sessions, and an easy-to-use, portable self-tracking tool.