NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The New Bedford YMCA, a Division of YMCA SOUTHCOAST, will host "Y Be Healthy," a free healthy living expo, on Saturday, April 27. The public is invited to attend an afternoon of free healthy and fun activities for all ages.
During the event, the Y will host a variety of activities to showcase the many programs the Y has to offer. Activities will include express demo group exercise classes every 30 minutes. Classes will include yoga, cycling, Zumba, Y CrossTrain and more. Activities in the pool will include open swim, water volleyball, swimming lessons, and water aerobics. Express group circuit training for adults and youth will take place in the wellness center. There will be children's activities and games as well as rock climbing. The Y will also provide information and education on all of their lessons, programs, camps and memberships.
Southcoast™ Health System is the lead partner of the event and will provide a range of activities and services including healthy cooking demonstrations and tastings by Southcoast Food & Nutrition, along with healthy recipe handouts with nutritional information. Southcoast Rehabilitation Services certified athletic trainers and physical therapists will host interactive sessions on stretching and injury prevention; body weight exercises that you can do at home; postural screenings; and one-on-one injury screenings.
Southcoast Rehabilitation Services will also present a community based concussion education session with handouts. A registered dietitian from the Southcoast Cardiac Prevention Program will conduct demonstrations on portion-distortion, healthy breakfasts and risks associated with sugary drinks.
The Southcoast Health Van will provide screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose (diabetes), body mass index (BMI), and will provide skin analysis, skin cancer education and sunscreen. The Southcoast Health Van will also provide pneumonia and tetanus vaccines.
Southcoast's Responsible Attitudes toward Pregnancy, Parenting & Prevention (RAPPP) program will host a variety of educational and fun activities and crafts surrounding the different aspects of their program. The Southcoast Blood Bank will be on site to provide information on the importance of donating blood and how to donate locally.
The event will also feature other community partners and activities including:
The Dartmouth YMCA's Sharing the Harvest Community Farm program will host a hands on activity educating participants on how to start a garden. Participants will take home mini garden starter kits.
New Bedford Parks Recreation and Beaches will host a fitness maze challenge for kids. They will also provide information on the Play in the Park summer food program.
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park will provide walking tours of the historical park area. They will also provide burn while you learn handouts and pedometers.
The New Bedford Bicycle Committee will provide bicycle safety demonstrations, seat height checks, and stationary bicycle races.
The Dick Melloni Youth Foundation will provide free bicycle helmets whiles supplies last.
New Bedford Community Rowing will provide basic rowing training on rowing machines.
In addition, the following community partners will be on site to provide information on their services and other give-a-ways:
The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center
New Bedford Mass in Motion
Voices for a Health South Coast
SouthCoast Energy Challenge
Senior Whole Health
"Y Be Healthy" will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at the New Bedford YMCA, 25 South Water Street. All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, please call the New Bedford YMCA at 508.997.0734.
About YMCA SOUTHCOAST
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With five branch sites serving more than 37,000 people, YMCA SOUTHCOAST has been working to meet the needs of our community for over 150 years. The Y engages people of all ages – 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. Everyone is welcome at the Y and financial assistance is available. For more information about YMCA SOUTHCOAST, visit one of the branches in Dartmouth, Fall River, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, and Wareham or online at ymcasouthcoast.org.