Wellness

February is American Heart Month, and with recently published research indicating blood pressure control has worsened in both men and woman since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to use this month to get a blood pressure screening and focus on becoming heart healthy. Below are tips for everyone to become heart healthy this February.

In a transformative move aimed at enhancing healthcare access and promoting health equity, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina and its partner, Novant Health, have introduced a leading-edge virtual care kiosk at various Y branches. This innovative solution enables members to have on-demand virtual visits with Novant Health clinicians for a range of minor illnesses and injuries. 

With all the shopping, cooking, family visits, and parties, it’s harder for people to make healthy choices during the holiday season. Luckily, two experts from the YMCA are here with tips to help everyone feel their best – even when life gets busy. Together, they’ve compiled a 7W “Wish List” of healthy habits to build over the holidays.

North Carolina YMCAs Offer Program to Help Prevent Diabetes [Raleigh, N.C., October 31, 2022]–November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and a time for all North Carolina residents to assess their risk for developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. More than 96 million adults in America have prediabetes, while eight in 10 people don’t know they have prediabetes.

Habits made during National Nutrition Month can be sustained for the long term. WINSTON-SALEM — March is National Nutrition Month, and while a focus on nutrition is important throughout the year, this month provides an opportunity to examine and maybe reevaluate your dietary habits. 

The Y is now available for members anytime and anywhere! Virtual YMCA is now accessible through the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina’s website and mobile app.  Members can now have exclusive access to on demand and live group exercise classes at no additional cost.

OUR NEW AND IMPROVED SYSTEM IS HERE! You may now start to use it to reserve group exercise classes, water fitness classes, open swim, lap lanes and pickleball courts. Registration still opens 24 hours prior to each class/lane.

Pernella Koonce-Chapman is an inspiration to our members and staff at the Stokes Family YMCA. She has been a member for almost 20 years, but she really became faithful to her wellness journey in the last 10 years. She chose the YMCA over other gyms because of the diverse programs we offer. Plus, she has built relationships with members and staff along the way.

Stokes Family YMCA Member Sharon Taylor fell in love with the Y and wants to be an inspiration to others. Sharon said, “It is a mindset. Decide you want it!” She has been a member since May 2017 and can’t believe she has already lost 18 pounds and several inches. Here is her story: