WEST CHESTER, PA — The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), Keystone First, and Keystone First Community HealthChoices are offering a week-long program aimed at promoting heart health. The inaugural Gift of Heart Health Week will occur from Monday, February 5 through Monday, February 12.
“We are grateful for the partnership of Keystone First and Keystone First Community HealthChoices as their goals align with ours – to build strong communities by ensuring that all have access to health and wellness,” says Kim Cavallero, VP of Membership for YGBW.
“We encourage all in the community to visit the Keystone First van and enjoy free use of Y facilities. Work out in our wellness centers, enjoy our pools, take a group exercise class—or enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee while meeting other members of your community during our Gift of Hearth Health Week!”
At a time when heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death in America, the Gift of Heart Health Week emerges as a beacon of hope. It brings free heart health resources and activities to all residents of Chester County, irrespective of their YMCA membership status.
In this week-long event, all seven YMCA branches across Chester County open their doors to the community, inviting everyone to avail of their facilities. Keystone First’s mobile wellness unit will also be present each day at different YMCA branches, offering free blood pressure and glucose screenings. Visitors can also benefit from wellness tips, giveaways, and tours of the wellness vehicle.
To further foster understanding, Keystone First Community HealthChoices will conduct seminars on Heart Disease & Stroke, limited to an intimate group of 30 individuals per session.
Kim Cavallero, VP of Membership for YGBW, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with Keystone First, stating “We invite everyone in the community to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to take care of their hearts and enjoy the YMCA facilities.”
The Keystone First’s Mobile Wellness and Opportunity Center, a health clinic on wheels, aims to provide preventive health services, nutrition, and education at no direct cost to consumers. This initiative aligns with YGBW’s priority of enhancing access to health and wellness services, and emphasizes that health should not be a privilege but a common right.
Bertram L. Lawson II, the CEO of YGBW, shared his personal struggle with forming healthy habits and invites everyone to join him in his wellness journey. On the opening day of Gift of Heart Health Week, he plans to have his blood pressure checked at the Keystone First van, in a commendable display of promoting community health.
“I have access to wellness experts, fitness equipment, top-notch healthcare providers and healthy foods, yet forming healthy habits is challenging for me,” Lawson explains. “I recently kicked off my own wellness journey and have vowed to stay the course – despite the demands of my work calendar, commitments to my family and the psychological barriers to getting healthy. You’ll see me in line at the Keystone First van on February 5 to get my blood pressure checked. I hope you’ll join me.”
YGBW has compiled a list of heart health tips to help community members focus on their heart health, emphasizing
- Proper Sleep – Insufficient sleep is often linked to increased levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. Establishing consistent bedtime routines can aid in falling asleep more quickly and achieving better sleep quality throughout the night,
- Regular Physical Activity – Engaging in daily physical activity can significantly enhance the functionality of your heart. Regardless of your interests or abilities, there are ample opportunities to seamlessly integrate movement into your daily routine.,
- Healthy Eating – By modifying your favorite recipes to decrease the levels of salt and saturated fat, you can make a positive impact on your heart health. Consider swapping in lower-fat alternatives to maintain the delicious flavor without compromising on taste. When seeking substitutions, remember to carefully review nutritional labels and opt for foods with sodium content below 1,000 mg per serving.,
- Regular Health Check-Ups – According to the American Heart Association, almost half of all Americans (46 percent) have high blood pressure. By managing or keeping your blood pressure within normal levels, you can significantly minimize the risk of heart disease and stroke. Taking proactive steps to lower or maintain healthy blood pressure is crucial for safeguarding your cardiovascular health., and
- Spending Quality Time with Loved Ones – Finally, one very effective way to improve heart health is by spending quality time with our loved ones. It not only reduces stress but also brings joy and fulfillment. Discover our expert tips for maximizing quality time throughout the year. Let’s prioritize our well-being and cherish the moments that truly matter.
The Gift of Heart Health Week is not merely a week-long program but a call-to-action to the community to take control of their health and to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Its mission is to make heart health a common goal that unites the community and drives everyone’s actions throughout the year and beyond.
As we get ready for the Gift of Heart Health Week, let’s embrace this wonderful initiative with open hearts and open minds, and pledge to make Chester County a healthier community.
About Gift of Heart Health: https://ymcagbw.org/blog/gift-heart-health-week
About the Keystone First Mobile Wellness Center: https://www.keystonefirstpa.com/community/mobile-wellness-center.aspx#start_date=2024-01-01
About Starting a Wellness Journey: https://ymcagbw.org/blog/health-seekers-journey-getting-started
About Keystone First Community HealthChoices: https://www.keystonefirstchc.com/
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