![]() |
||
YMCA CONVENES LOCAL HEALTH EXPERTSTO COMBAT CHRONIC DISEASEWith chronic disease threatening the health, wellness and future of our community, more than 50 top medical experts, health care executives and public health officials joined with the Y this week to determine how they, as key stakeholders, can work together to focus on prevention.During his welcome, YMCA President/CEO Jim Ferber highlighted the Y's historic role in strengthening communities through its focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.![]() Prevention"When we talk about Healthy Living, we're really talking about prevention," Ferber said. "The challenge is to deepen community partnerships and find new ways that we ─ as a government, health care, private sector and nonprofit leaders ─ can combine our strengths to create real and lasting change." As for the Y’s efforts, Ferber noted that the organization has adopted a more personalized, prevention-based approach that empowers people to take charge of their health and wellness by becoming more physically active and making healthier food choices. It's also investing heavily to expand and transform its family centers, starting with the Dr. P. Phillips and Frank DeLuca YMCAs. Both will include healthy cafes and teaching kitchens, as well as expanded areas for health screenings, clinical therapies and other services provided through deeper partnerships with local hospitals.Moving the Needle by 10%Citing the alarming statistics around chronic disease, YMCA Chief Operating Officer Dan Wilcox challenged the group to work together to work together to curb chronic disease in our region by 10%. "Imagine what it would mean if we could achieve this," he said. "The Y can't do it alone, but by working together, we can create a healthy, sustainable community for all residents." Based on feedback from a guest survey, the group will continue meeting to identify priorities, as well as new opportunities for collaboration. "This is an action-oriented group and our next step is to develop a plan," said John Cardone, YMCA Vice President of Health Strategies. "The Y is evolving and ready to lead the change."The Experts Weigh In:
![]() ![]() ![]() |
||
![]() |

Healthy Living
Ymca Convenes Local Health Experts To Combat Chronic Disease
Y of Central Florida :: Healthy Living Initiative