Category: Y Inspired

YMCA Chef Rallies Culinary Community to Provide 5,000+ Meals Following Pulse Shootings

By June 21, 2016
June 21, 2016
In times of celebration and sorrow, food brings people together and offers comfort. So when Orlando was rocked by the largest mass shooting in U.S. history, Gary Appelsies, YMCA Director of Healthy Eating, knew what to do. By creating the Facebook group, “Culinary Cares: In Support of Pulse Orlando,” Appelsies rallied local chefs, caterers, restaurateurs and others to deliver more than 5,000 meals – and comfort – to where it… [...]
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Why I Give to The Y: A Donor’s Story

By May 07, 2015
May 07, 2015
A Message from Mike Manuel, 2015 Annual Scholarship Campaign Chair This year, I am honored to serve the Y as the 2015 Annual Scholarship Campaign Chair. The Annual Campaign is so important to me because it impacts the lives of so many residents who call Central Florida home. I give to the Y because I want all children to learn, grow and thrive in a safe environment. Not only does… [...]
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Less Judging, More Listening

By May 04, 2015
May 04, 2015
Kalese, her mom and two sisters were homeless in 2013, struggling to eat, find shelter, stay in school – all the things that most people take for granted. And the phrase that Kalese uses over and over again to describe the most difficult part of that unimaginably challenging period in their lives is, “everyone just judged us.” As the Justices struggled to survive and stay safe day to day, they also struggled to remain hopeful. They… [...]
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Why I Give to the Y: A Donor’s Story

By April 28, 2015
April 28, 2015
When Pam and Rogers Kirven met four years ago at the Y, they were both going through major transitions in their lives. Pam was going through a divorce, and Rogers had lost his wife of 35 years to cancer a year earlier. And while both of them were dealing with overwhelming personal losses, they received critical emotional support from their Y connection, and in Pam’s case, financial support through the… [...]
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STRENGTHENING FAMILY BONDS

By February 20, 2013
February 20, 2013
All parents want the best for their children. Close bonds, good friends, strong values and sense of belonging. But sometimes unexpected things happen that can truly turn a family’s life upside down.   Such was the case five years ago for Osceola YMCA members Eric and Janelle Jenkins. As the parents of two beautiful little boys with a third on the way, things seemed nearly perfect. But when Eli was… [...]
Category: Osceola County

Relieving Back to School Stress

By August 24, 2012
August 24, 2012
School is back in session – exciting for some and overwhelming for others. Family stress can mount up with thoughts of school supplies, getting the ‘right’ clothes, avoiding unhealthy snacks and planning around hectic work and school schedules.   At the Y, we are committed to come alongside parents and guardians to make this school year a time when kids realize their potential and discover who they are and what… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHAMPION

By July 20, 2012
July 20, 2012
YMCA OLYMPIC CHALLENGE   Amazing things happen when our limits are stretched. As the Olympic Games get started, we want our members to have fun as a team and clear personal hurdles with our 6-week YMCA Olympic Challenge. Whether its swimming laps or taking a yoga class that intimidates you, we want you to be adventurous and try something new.   ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL   Finish 12 activities and win… [...]
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Howie’s Story

By July 11, 2012
July 11, 2012
Howie Apple is an inspiration to many. As an aging athlete he wanted to stay as active as he could, then he got the news that he had Parkinson’s Disease. Over the last several years, the Crosby YMCA Wellness Center has become central to the quality of his life.   Howie always enjoyed an active lifestyle. He was a tennis player and skier in Cleveland, and later took up running… [...]
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Keeping Kids’ Minds & Bodies Active this Summer

By June 06, 2012
June 06, 2012
Most adults remember their childhood summers as a time when kids and families were active and outdoors, spending time swimming, reading, hiking, and taking family vacations. Maybe they remember eating healthy fruits like watermelon and vegetables like corn-on-the-cob. But for most Americans this reality is far from this picture.   As school doors close during the summer, many children face safety concerns, laziness, learning loss, risk for obesity, and food… [...]
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Keep Kids Active, Reduce Family Stress

By May 03, 2012
May 03, 2012
At a time when Central Florida families face mounting challenges and stress posed by a tumultuous economy, the Y is continuing to be a beacon of hope that provides options for parents and kids to live happier and healthier lives.   Managing stress through activities has never been more necessary, especially for our kids. The American Psychological Association reports that 46 percent of Americans feel significant worry when it comes… [...]
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Taking Action to Prevent Diabetes

By March 28, 2012
March 28, 2012
At the Y, we know that healthier communities are stronger communities. That’s why we are working hard to ensure that you to learn your risk for type 2 diabetes and take action to prevent it.                                   WHAT'S HAPPENING IN AMERICA   Unhealthy eating and declining physical activity has led to an explosion of type 2 diabetes.  Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and a staggering 79 million people have prediabetes,… [...]
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Heart Healthy Tips

By February 06, 2012
February 06, 2012
5 tips to help prevent heart disease   February is American Heart Month, and the Y is in the business of preventing the leading cause of death – heart disease.  Protect your heart with these 5 medication-free steps.   1. No smoking   Smoking or using tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels, leading… [...]
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Nutrition or Exercise

By January 02, 2012
January 02, 2012
We all know that nutrition and exercise are important for our well-being and help us lose weight, but should you focus on one more than the other this New Year?    Nutrition   Research shows that cutting calories through dietary changes seems to promote weight loss more effectively than exercise and physical activity. Most people find it hard to eliminate the amount of calories through exercise that can just be… [...]
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New Year’s Healthy Living Tips

By January 02, 2012
January 02, 2012
What will you do this year to be healthier? You may be making bold resolutions on January 1 to eat right and exercise. Here, at the Y of Central Florida, we encourage you to think small and reach your goal – one focused step at a time. Why not start out with these few healthy living tips?   New Year’s Healthy Living Tip No. 1: East Sensibly   Look for… [...]
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3 Levels, One Commitment

By December 30, 2011
December 30, 2011
Helping you achieve your health and wellness goals   At the Y of Central Florida, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our residents. This commitment goes beyond asking you to simply join a fitness facility to exercise. Rather, it connects you to a health movement that looks to create a profound impact on disease prevention and adherence to a healthy lifestyle, all to better the overall health… [...]
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Coach Matt and Abraham’s Story

By December 30, 2011
December 30, 2011
We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow. That’s why we hire the best coaches and child development staff to develop tomorrow’s leaders.   Abraham was… [...]
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Lillian’s Story

By September 13, 2011
September 13, 2011
Lillian Christian was told during a routine blood test that her sugar level was too high. She is now one of  57 million people in the US who have prediabetes. Studies show that many people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes in 10 years, but it can be prevented or delayed by up to 58 percent through changes in lifestyle. “I was flabbergasted by the news that I had prediabetes, but thankful… [...]
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Alex’s Story

By April 19, 2011
April 19, 2011
Alex Tran, age 17, qualified this year for the YMCA National Swimming Championship by going 2 seconds faster than the qualifying time in the 200 yard breaststroke. Four years ago he could barely swim. His mom, Rosanna Tran, remembers Alex as, “Shy, always stuck in front of a computer, and almost overweight.” Now, he swims for the YCF Swimming team at the YMCA Aquatic Center. Alex didn't transform into an… [...]
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Yvonne’s Story

By December 28, 2010
December 28, 2010
Yvonne Boots’ story is an inspiring one. She had a challenging pregnancy with insulin-dependent diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, which fatigued her and made getting back in a shape even more difficult than she imagined. Determined to change the way she felt and to get re-involved with her local Y (The Oviedo YMCA), Yvonne approached the then brand new center to take up teaching classes, something she had previously done and… [...]
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COME TO THE Y

By December 22, 2010
December 22, 2010
Whether you've been a member of the Y for years or you're new and looking for more information, we warmly welcome you. Click here to get a Free Day Pass [...]
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