The program aims to fill the gap in health care delivery from clinic to community
ORLANDO, FLA. (June 6, 2017) – The YMCA of Central Florida is continuing its mission to improve the lives of all in Central Florida. Starting today, members who are at-risk for chronic disease or who are struggling with a health condition will be able to enroll in a special, eight-week program called HealthierLifeRX. The innovative program aims to fill to the gap in health care delivery from clinic to community and was developed by the YMCA of Central Florida following a successful, two-year pilot program, generously supported by the United Health Foundation. HealthierLifeRX uses a collaborative care model which connects primary care physicians and their patients with trained lifestyle coaches from the YMCA who all work together to help the patient achieve their individual health goals. “We are excited to serve our community now in an entirely new way through this special program which will help our current and new Y members regain control of their health,” said John Cardone, Senior Vice President of Health Strategies and Business Development at the YMCA of Central Florida. “We know no two people are alike, so our lifestyle coaches use a one-on-one approach to create a personalized plan to meet each individual's specific needs, goals and physical abilities. As those needs, goals and abilities change, our lifestyle coaches can continue to modify their plans and problem solve for any unexpected roadblocks or issues that may arise. Our customized, flexible, collaborative and supportive approach to wellness is what sets HealthierLifeRX apart from any other program that’s currently available.” The goal of HealthierLifeRX is to empower individuals to take charge of their health, develop new habits and live stronger, healthier lives. Individuals who enroll in the program will meet weekly with their lifestyle coaches to review their progress, ask questions, receive nutritional guidance and learn about additional tools and resources to help them stay on track. At the end of the eight-week time period, members have the option to purchase additional sessions to continue meeting with their lifestyle coach on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. The pilot that was used to develop the program first launched back in the spring of 2015, thanks to the generous support and partnership of the United Health Foundation, and has a proven track record of success. Participants who completed the year-long pilot were able to improve their fitness, functionality, weight, quality of life and overall health and well-being. Key findings from the pilot included the following:- Among overweight/obese participants, the average participant lost more than 4-percent of their starting body weight just six months into the program
- 90-percent of participants increased their physical activity level to include at least 150 minutes of exercise per week at the eight-month mark
- 20-percent of participants were able to reduce the amount of medications they were taking
- 38-percent of participants were able to lower their activity restrictions
