Healthy Living – Page 3 – YMCA of Coastal Carolina

A story of hope and possibility: Dennis, creating healthy habits

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Hatton Gravely

Dennis, a loyal Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA member, shares his story of hope and possibility.

He begins, “I died and the Y saved my life.”

The hospital staff at Grand Strand for saved his life after experiencing full cardiac arrest on July 3, 2012.

He went through Cardiac Rehab until February, 2015, when the Y assumed responsibility for managing those Cardiac patients who had completed Cardiac Rehab at the hospital.

He shares, “The Y was a better option for those of us who had moved on from Cardiac Rebab because we could attend the Y as often as we wanted while Cardiac was limited to 3 visits per week.”

He continued, “The staff at the Y has always been available to help me personally stick to my exercise program even though the staff members have changed over the years. The current staff is well qualified and are able to relate to all age levels.”

He notes that it is very noticeable how the staff is able to meet the needs of a multigenerational customer base.

“This is a comfortable and safe place,” he explains, “and everyone cares for each other here.”

Dennis continued exercising at the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA and loves being a part of the Y community.

Last year, Dennis joined the Healthy Habits Challenge, which tracked daily healthy habits such as eating well, moving for 30 minutes, and drinking water. For each healthy habit tracked, participants earned a point.

Trish Harrison, Healthy Living Director, shares, “I wrote his name down at the top of the Healthy Habits Leader Board every week.”

Dennis shares that the Healthy Habits Challenge influenced him to start a food journal. He stayed with the healthy habits program even after the challenge ended, and by the end of the year had lost 40 pounds!

Dennis is an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story with the Y community.

Power Thru Parkinson’s Program Expands to Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA

Posted on January 17, 2024 Updated on January 19, 2024 by Hatton Gravely

Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA now offers Power Thru Parkinson’s Classes, a Parkinson’s disease management program. This program began at the Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA and expanded to Myrtle Beach in 2023, and beginning in January 2024, is being offered in Georgetown.

The Power Thru Parkinson’s program is a 60-minute group exercise class offered to anyone with Parkinson’s Disease, parkinsonisms, or a movement disorder that will benefit from repeptitive, exaggerated, patterns of movement. Each class is composed of 10 to 12 exercises set up as stations ranging from strength training, balance and neuromotor training, as well as cardiovascular and stretching.

When: The class takes place on Tuesday and Thursday each week at 10:45 AM
Where: Group Exercise room.
Requirement: Members are required to do an assessment with our Healthy Living staff before participation in the class.
Contact: For more information contact the instructor, Laurie Tardif at [email protected]
Fees: Free with membership at any YMCA of Coastal Carolina location.

About the Power Thru Parkinson’s Program

Power Thru Parkinson’s is a boxing-inspired class offered to people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, dementia, or other movement disorders. The class focuses on balance, strength, coordination, stamina, dexterity, memory, and walking ability. It incorporates boxing and cycling activities; both of which have been shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease.

Boxing gloves are available for use during the class, but you are encouraged to provide your own. Class size is limited to ten participants. Due to the size of the class, registration will be required.

Requirement – Active member at any YMCA of Coastal Carolina location.
Who this benefits – Anyone living with Parkinson’s Disease.
About the program – Each class is composed of 10 to 12 exercises set up as stations ranging from strength training, balance and neuromotor training, as well as cardiovascular and stretching.
Locations – This program is offered at all three center locations: Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA, Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA, and Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA.
Fees – Free with membership at any YMCA of Coastal Carolina location.

Learn more about Moving is Medicine Programs:

Moving is Medicine

9 Tips to Be More Active as an Older Adult!

Posted on January 17, 2024 Updated on February 2, 2024 by Hatton Gravely

Here are some tips for being more active as an older adult:

Try out free demonstration exercises classes at your local Coastal Carolina YMCA branch.
Join the YMCA Active Adult connection group and let’s go for a hike in a park.
Participate in YMCA upcoming sponsored social activities.
Aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.
Do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week at your local YMCA branch.
Do balance exercises at your local YMCA branch.
Get a mix of activity types at the same time.
Practice all four types of exercise: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.
Stay safe during exercise.

Check out our events calendar for the latest Active Adult events!

EVENTS CALENDAR

Work out from home with YMCA360: Your Y Experience Everywhere

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Hatton Gravely

Did you know YMCA of Coastal Carolina members can access YMCA360 for free?

What is YMCA360?

This Video on Demand and Live Streaming service brings the Y experience seamlessly to mobile devices, TVs, streaming devices and the web, and will be included free with every YMCA membership. 

YMCA360 is free for members!

YMCA360 is free for members. Members access it using the email address in our Member database.

With YMCA360, pursuing a healthier lifestyle is possible anytime and anywhere. Members will be able to view and participate in hundreds of group exercise classes, youth sports training, well-being classes, cooking classes, remotely connect with personal trainers, view daily live fitness classes and so much more. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  

YMCA360 Digital Membership

For those who prefer to workout from home, we offer a digital membership for $75/year!

Membership Details

How to Login

Please take a moment to log in, explore this resource, and enjoy working out from home!

Visit www.ymca360.org and select “Login or Sign Up”
Enter your zip code
Select your YMCA branch
Enter your email address (members, use your email that is currently in the YMCA member database)
First time logging in? Enter the six-digit authentication code that was sent to your email address
You can now access ymca360.org

You may be eligible for a YMCA membership with a qualifying Medicare Advantage Plan! Here are the details.

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Hatton Gravely

At the Y, there are no strangers – only friends you haven’t met yet. While you improve your health and mobility through our fitness programs, you’ll also make new friends and find opportunities to strengthen the social fabric of your community.

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina partners with insurance companies to provide memberships

Seniors are a significant and valued part of our YMCA of Coastal Carolina community. Most Medicare Advantage and some Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap, include access to gym memberships. We have partnered with several programs to offer memberships at no cost to the individual with a qualifying plan. The insurance company pays a portion, and our Y subsidizes the other portion in order to ensure all have access to improve their health.

While each program operates differently, all offer multiple fitness options including access to gyms and at-home workouts at no cost to members.

Medicare Plans we accept

We accept the following Medicare plans:

Silver and Fit
Renew Active
Fiton Health

Ask your insurance provider for more details.

Join the Y!

Join the Y for fitness, fun, and community! Check with your insurance provider today to see if you qualify for membership through Medicare Advantage. Your journey to a healthier you starts here!

Check with your insurance provider about the three plans we accept.
Visit the Y. We have three convenience locations:
- Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach, SC
- Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA in Pawleys Island, SC
- Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA in Georgetown, SC
If you are eligible, bring a photo ID and your insurance documents (new Health Card, eligibility letter, Photo ID, etc.) The process is easy!

If your plan is not covered, we would love for you to be a member. We have a financial assistance program to make sure all have access to the Y.

Renew Your Membership: Current Medicare Fitness Members

REMINDER : Starting January 1, 2024, Coastal Carolina YMCA will need to verify/update your Medicare Fitness eligibility for 2024. To update your information, please bring all necessary documents (new Health Card, eligibility letter, Photo ID, etc.).

This process will take about 10-15 minutes. Thank you for your cooperation!

Healthy Habits, Month 1: Get Started

Posted on December 27, 2023 by Hatton Gravely

Have you ever had a habit that you just can’t shake? Or had a habit that you want to instill in your life, but it never catches on? One great way to be mindful of the habits you keep is journaling. The health and wellness realm is made up of exercise, nutrition, sleep, water intake, and relaxation/mediation time. Tracking each of these categories will aid in creating healthy habits, as well as getting rid of unhealthy ones.

That’s why we created our #HealthyHabits planner and tracker! Each month, we will be posting a new to do list and tracker for you to use to create your healthy habits in 2024!

Download the Healthy Habits Tracker + Planner for January

https://reclique-core-myrtle.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/27081003/healthy-habits-planner-and-tracker.pdf

January To Do List: A plan to help you get 1% better every day with simple tips to start slow and remain consistent.

Make a Plan: When you write down a goal and schedule when you’re going to complete it, you’re much more likely to commit to it. Get into the habit of scheduling when you plan to workout, create a healthy meal plan so you don’t make last-minute unhealthy choices, sleep more, and drink more water.

Track your progress: check off your successes! You don’t know need to do it all at once. Start small. Focus on checking just one healthy habit each day, and add more healthy habits goals each week.

Get into the habit of tracking your progress

Get into the habit of writing down your daily habits using our tracker. Even if you didn’t hit your goals, it’s motivating to get into the practice of journaling.

A habit journal is a way to visualize your goals, whether they be daily or weekly. Having a list of tasks each day to complete serves as both a visual aid and motivation. Habits take roughly 90 days to form, so it is important to remember that you won’t be perfect! When life feels chaotic, logging any habit can give you a sense of control.

Before altering your habits, it is important to understand why you have the routine you do. The CDC says that reflecting is one important way to keep your eating and exercise habits consistent.

“The benefits of regular exercise are proven. It can do wonders for your overall health,” said Dr. James Turek, a family medicine physician at Tidelands Health.

In order to create healthy habits, journaling is known to help!

Find the time: Set goals + create a schedule

When you write down a goal and schedule when you’re going to complete it, you’re much more likely to commit to it. Get into the habit of scheduling when you plan to workout, create a healthy meal plan so you don’t make last-minute unhealthy choices, sleep more, and drink more water.

Attend our Tidelands Tuesday Talk: Learn simple ways to eat right and exercise more

What:Tidelands Health Registered Dietitian, Hope Brinkman, will share simple ways to eat healthier. Angie Hill, Senior Health and Wellness Director at the Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA, will help you move more.
Cost: Free to everyone (but must register online)
Date and Time: January 9th at 12:30 pm
Location: Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA
Sign up: Healthy Living Programs – YMCA of Coastal Carolina (coastalcarolinaymca.org)

Download the January Healthy Habits Tracker + Planner

healthy-habits-planner-and-tracker Download

Get 1% Better Every Day in 2024!

Posted on December 27, 2023 Updated on December 29, 2023 by Hatton Gravely

Happy Holidays, YMCA community!

Are you looking forward to the New Year? 2024 is almost here! This year, the YMCA of Coastal Carolina and Tidelands Health will help you get 1% better every day in 2024 by creating consistent healthy habits.

What is it?

The Healthy Habits program includes 12 monthly goals that can help you be the best version of yourself and a Healthy Habits tracker to help you stay on track!

Each month, we’ll publish a new planner and tracker with the monthly goal for you to follow.

Get a 1% Better Every Day T-Shirt

The first 100 members who visit their Y on Jan. 1 will receive a t-shirt!

January Healthy Habits Tracker + Planner

For the month of January, simply track your progress every day. Start small: focus on checking off one or two healthy habits each day. Just get 1% better every day!

JANUARY HEALTHY HABITS GOAL & PLANNER

Download the tracker + planner:

healthy-habits-planner-and-tracker Download

New! Sign up for a Healthy Habits Coach!

To help you become 1% better every day, we are offering the Healthy Habits Coaching program. The Healthy Habits Coaching program will add accountability and educate you on how to stay healthy. The Healthy Habits Coaching program will give you 4 sessions with a health coach. The health coach will guide you through a workout and meet with you monthly to assist in accountability, answer questions and progress you through your exercise program. Get pricing information + register here

Workout with YMCA360

All YMCA of Coastal Carolina members also have access to YMCA 360 to work out anywhere! This exclusive program provides educational videos on all aspects of healthy living. When you join the Y, our monthly emails are guaranteed to keep you motivated and in touch with your goals.

New this year: we are offering a YMCA360 digital membership for those who want to work out from home.

Join the Y

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be 1% Better Every Day!

NEW! You can work out from home with our new digital membership, YMCA360!
Become a YMCA of Coastal Carolina Member (all memberships include access to YMCA360)

Story of Hope and Possibility: Mary (Lefty!)

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Hatton Gravely

Mary is a member of the Myrtle Beach YMCA community. Mary suffered from a Transient Ischemic Attack and two Ischemic Strokes in April of 2022. She spent a month in rehab, setting goals and slowly regaining functions through various therapies. Mary looked to the YMCA for extra help getting her back on her feet. She practiced water aerobics and weightlifting with Dylan, a trainer for the YMCA. Mary continues to make impressive progress and says that “Every time I’m with Personal Training, Golf Therapy, staff or the many classes offered, I walk away with a new tool to help my continued journey to getting better!”

Mary’s Story

On Thursday evening, April 14^th, 2022, I had a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), which passed by 2 a.m. and I was sent home believing everything was OK. On Friday morning around 8 a.m. I knew things were happening, so we went back to Waccamaw Hospital and that morning had two Ischemic Strokes on my left side, leaving me paralyzed (hence why I am called Lefty).

I was transferred to Rehab on Tuesday for 1 month and released on May 11^th, 2022. While there I did Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Speech Therapy 3 times a day. Once released from Rehab, I started Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy at Tidelands Neuro Therapy from May 23^rd through December 30^th, 2022.

No matter where I did my rehab, I established goals for myself.

1) I never stopped exercising. Whatever the therapist taught me I wrote down and continued to work on (until today).

2) In rehab they asked what my goal was . . . I wanted to get out of the hospital; on May 11^th, I walked out with my walker.

3) By July 15^th, I was able to walk without my walker.

4) While still doing Neuro Rehab, around August 1^st, I knew I needed to find more ways to help improve my recovery. I started Water aerobics at Healthpoint (which is now YMCA). NOTE: Around that same time, I traveled to New Jersey for 6 weeks and continued water aerobics at the YMCA in New Jersey.

Healthpoint/YMCA

Upon my return in October, I returned to the YMCA’s water aerobics.

Following my release from Tideland (Neuro) Therapy in December, in January 2023 I started Personal Training with Dylan focusing on exercises, weight training and various machines. I continued with Dylan through May.

I also did and continue to do online exercise programs. A major one was Jamber.com (hand yoga) and Motion Coach, which helps with all of the areas I continue to need help with (shoulder, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and balance).

In June, another goal was to get back to playing golf, so I started Golf Therapy with Richard Morris (which I’m still taking). A note to mention about this program is that I thought I was taking “golf lessons”, which turned out to be more therapy related exercises.

Interestingly, there is a saying in golf that no matter how you play, “you only need to hit one good shot during your game and that is enough to keep bringing you back to play another round. That is exactly how I feel about the YMCA. Every time I’m with Personal Training, Golf Therapy, staff or the many classes offered, I walk away with a new tool to help my continued journey to getting better.

Thank you for inviting me to hear my story.

Member Story of Hope & Possibility: Maria

Posted on October 27, 2023 Updated on October 30, 2023 by Hatton Gravely

Maria is a member of the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA. When she discovered frightening news about her health, she made the YMCA a priority in her life. By taking classes and working with our trainers, Maria built up her strength. She says that her personal trainer Haywood pushed her “not only physically but mentally.” With all the YMCA there to support her, she lost 50 lbs!

Maria’s Story

She shares:

“In February of this year, I went to see my primary care physician to read my labs. He told me my glucose level was elevated. I immediately left his office and went straight to the YMCA to start my fitness and wellness journey. I signed up for classes like strength and stability, Zumba and Aqua Fit. I even took classes to learn how to swim. I started personal training with Haywood, who showed me how to safely use each machine and explained which areas of the body they targeted. He pushed me not only physically but mentally. The entire YMCA staff has been so encouraging, especially Trish who continuously motivates me each time I see her. To compliment my wellness journey, I took advice from my daughter who is a nutritionist. I started by eating more plant centered meals, reduced my sugar intake and stopped eating highly processed foods. I learned that not all carbs are created equally and get a good source of energy from complex carbs. In six months, I have lost a total of 50 lbs. by moving my body five days a week and sticking to my nutrition plan. My goal is to be mobile, healthy, and feel good for the longevity of my life.”

YMCA of Coastal Carolina launches Teens and Tweens Be Well program with Tidelands Health pediatrician

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Hatton Gravely

Tyler Wiggins, clinical exercise coordinator

Teens and tweens can learn healthy habits and how to stick with them through an innovative, fun new program offered by the YMCA of Coastal Carolina in partnership with Tidelands Health.

The Teens and Tweens Be Well program was developed in collaboration with Dr. Jill Aiken, pediatrics specialist with Tidelands Health.

The Teens and Tweens Be Well program, funded by a grant from the Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, is designed to improve overall health by instilling healthy eating and exercise habits through a custom course tailored to each participant’s unique needs.

After an initial assessment, participants attend classes selected for them, as well as nutrition classes. Progress during the 12-week program is tracked through mid-term and final assessments. Participants also are given the tools to help sustain the progress they make during the program.

The program is open to children ages 9 to 17 and is offered at Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA.

“Obesity is a growing problem in Georgetown and Horry counties,” Dr. Aiken said. “One third of school-aged children in South Carolina are overweight or have obesity. Some of the patients I encounter at Tidelands Health Pediatrics either don’t know they have the condition or need direction on how to improve their health. As the exclusive health system of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, we teamed with the YMCA to launch the Teens and Tweens Be Well program to help make a difference. Collaboratively, we are aiming to address the gaps in our community and help children develop healthy habits by offering this innovative program.”

The Teens and Tweens Be Well program is $250 and includes a three-month family membership to the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. Scholarships through the YMCA’s financial assistance program are available to cover the costs of the membership and program. The first cohort started last month, with the next one scheduled to begin in January.

“We are focusing on building sustainable healthy habits in the participants,” said Angie Hill, senior health and wellness director for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. “Each class will be a mix of education and fun designed to teach kids about nutrition and physical activity. Kids will play games teaching them how to identify healthy foods and participate in physical activities such as obstacle courses teaching fitness in a fun way. The activities will help them build lifelong healthy habits.”

For more information about the program, contact Tyler Wiggins, clinical exercise coordinator, at 843-979-0263 or [email protected].

Tidelands Health is the exclusive health system partner of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. The two organizations work collaboratively on programs to improve the health and wellness of our region.

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About the YMCA of Coastal Carolina

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is a local nonprofit with three branches in the Grand Strand area: Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA, Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA, and Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA. Tidelands Health is the exclusive health system partner of YMCA of Coastal Carolina. The YMCA mission is “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.” The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.coastalcarolinaymca.org

About Tidelands Health

Tidelands Health is the region’s largest health care provider and MUSC Health affiliate, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.