YMCA Works to Help Community Fight Obesity
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In state obesity rates released in July, Kentucky ranked seventh for adults at 29% and fourth for youth with a shocking 37.1%. The rankings are part of a report by the Trust for America’s Health F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2009.

Obesity rates in this country continue to grow even with increased attention to the issue. Despite this bad news for the nation’s health, there is some good news here in the Bluegrass. 

One of TFAH’s key recommendations for addressing obesity within health reform is to increase the number of programs available in communities, schools and childcare settings.

These programs should help make nutritious foods more affordable and accessible, and provide safe and healthy places for people to engage in physical activity. 

In Fayette, Jessamine and Scott counties, a team of leaders, convened by the YMCA of Central Kentucky, is working to surround residents in an environment that promotes physical activity and healthy eating.

The YMCA is working with leaders of the Legacy Trail development and Bike Lexington to create environments for safe physical activity. 

The YMCA supports Mayor Jim Newberry’s commitment to make Lexington the most bike and pedestrian friendly city in the state.

Strategic work with the University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine and Stanford Prevention Research Center ensures that the YMCA is focused on gradual lifestyle change and sustainable behavior patterns -- eventually leading to improved health and well-being for our citizens. 

Early work in this area has shown success via the YMCA’s Jumpin’ Jaguar obesity prevention program for youth, and the Y’s Get Fit small group initiatives. 
Pilot programs with schools such as Glendover Elementary engage children in physical activity.

The YMCA’s efforts are all part of Activate America -- the Y’s response to the nation’s chronic disease crisis.

Through Activate America, YMCAs are changing the way they work inside their facilities to make them more supportive of people who need help adopting and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. 

And, YMCAs are moving outside of their walls to act as a catalyst to improve community health and well-being.

We are one of only 101 communities in the nation taking part in these initiatives that aim to reduce barriers and increase support for healthy living in local communities.
But momentum and support for initiatives like ours is growing. 

The F as in Fat report highlights that more needs to be done to help children, adults and families in their efforts to lead healthier lifestyles and reverse the growing obesity epidemic.

It’s important that as lawmakers consider how to improve our health care system, they also consider ways to work with YMCAs and other community leaders to help move people to better health.

Gail Glasser
President/CEO,
YMCA of Central KY