A Niagara family dedicated to making 2016 an active, healthy year could be the lucky recipients of a one-year free membership at the YMCA as part of a community health challenge.
The “Journey to Better Health –A Challenge to Niagara Families” is focused on encouraging and supporting families to improve their health via physical activity and healthy habits. A partnership between the YMCA of Niagara and Niagara Health System (NHS), the challenge is open to all families and will be supported by expert advice and tips via social media throughout the year.
As part of the challenge, families are invited to apply to be considered for a one-year complementary membership at the YMCA by completing an application outlining why they would benefit from a membership along with one to two health goals by January 29, 2016. One family will be selected to receive the membership and have their journey followed.
Throughout the year, families participating in the challenge will be encouraged to post their healthy habits on twitter using the hashtag #betterhealthNiagara and a photo of their family participating in an activity together. Those who post a minimum of 10 times over the 12 months of the campaign will be entered for the chance to win a one-year YMCA family membership for 2017.
Quotes:
“We are excited about this campaign as a way to help inspire families. Children in our community are less active, less healthy with less meaningful social connections than ever before and many parents are telling us they need help in being healthy role models. We believe that teaching children healthy lifestyle habits early in life can go a long way to help prevent chronic disease and social isolation in the future. “ Janet St. Amand, CEO, YMCA of Niagara
“Physical activity is the keystone of preventative medicine. Rates of health-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and arthritis are on the rise. And so our health care team is pleased to collaborate with the YMCA in supporting Niagara families to live healthy, active lives. Remember, even at my age it is never too late to start your journey to better health.” Suzanne Johnston, President, Niagara Health System
About YMCA of Niagara
As a values-based charity dedicated to healthy living and wellbeing, the YMCA of Niagara has a positive impact on the health of 80,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities and stages of life from across the region. Operating from 112 program sites throughout Niagara, the YMCA offers health, fitness and aquatic membership, child care, youth outreach, day camp and employment and newcomer services supported by close to 800 volunteers annually. The YMCA of Niagara is open to all and is dedicated to providing leadership and opportunities for people and their community to grow in spirit, mind, and body. Go to ymcaofniagara.org to find out more.
About Niagara Health System
The Niagara Health System (NHS) is a multi-site hospital serving more than 430,000 residents across the 12 municipalities making up the Regional Municipality of Niagara. The NHS provides a wide range of inpatient and outpatient clinics/services at its sites, including Acute Care, Surgical Care, Emergency and Urgent Care, Kidney Care, Complex Care, Mental Health and Addiction, Long Term Care and Cancer Care.
For further information:
Rebecca Slavik, Senior Public Relations Specialist, YMCA of Niagara
rebecca.slavik@niagara.ymca.ca, T: 905.646.9622 x375 M: 289.407.0942
Steven Gallagher, Communications Specialist, Niagara Health System
steven.gallagher@niagarahealth.on.ca, T: 905.378.4647 x43879 M: 289.696.6767
