LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG™ at the YMCA
Lymphedema Aquatic Exercise
Healthy Steps -- Moving You to Better Health with the Lebed Method
Lymphedema Support Group
Cancer Education Series
Chaplin Services
Article


LIVESTRONG™ at the YMCA
It is the goal of the YMCA Healthy Living Center to support cancer survivor's pursuit of health and well-being by creating and implementing programs that fit the needs of our cancer survivors.  In the LIVESTRONG™ at the YMCA program, participants are evaluated by medical or fitness professionals and a program is designed to meet each participant's specific needs.  Individuals have the choice to do their workouts on their own time or during a time when other LIVESTRONG™ participants are working out.  The goal of this program is to continue to improve the quality of life for our Cancer Survivors. 

Fee:      Evaluation by physical therapist (if needed) is billed to health insurance
              First 12-weeks FREE to Cancer Survivors with a referral from a physician
              Medical programming is FREE with a YMCA Healthy Living Center membership

For more information contact the medical programs office at 515-645-3350.
Click here to view a WHO-TV 13 news segment about the LIVESTRONG™ at the YMCA program.


 Lymphedema Aquatic Exercise Class
Open to all Lymphedema patients.  This program will assist patients to regain their strength, extremity range of motion, assist with lymphatic drainage, and daily lifestyle function.  Taught by a Mercy Lymphedema Certified Therapist this class will teach healthy exercise and safety concepts.   Class meets Tuesdays at 4:30-5:30 pm and is free to YMCA Members and Livestrong™ at the YMCA Members

* Sponsored by Mercy Katzman Breast Center  *

Healthy Steps~ Moving You to Better Health with the Lebed Method
This is a therapeutic, medically designed exercise and movement program with fun music to help you thrive. It is designed to improve overall wellness, range of motion, balance, strength, assist in decreasing scar tissue, improve lymphatic drainage as well as emotional well being and self image. While initially designed for Breast Cancer survivors, cancer survivors and people with Lymphedema wishing to have fun and improve their health and strength in a gentle exercise program. Chairs are incorporated to be used as needed for balance or fatigue. The class can be adapted by you to fit your needs, your level of endurance, and ability. This revolving class changes routines every 6 weeks. Class size is limited to 15. A release from your Plastic Surgeon is required. If you have had breast reconstruction in the past 6months.

• Class meets Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm  and is free to YMCA Members and LIVEStrong™ at the YMCA Members.
• Class is for participants 21 and older; however exceptions may be made. 
   
   * Sponsored by Mercy Katzman Breast Center and Bras for the Cause *

 
Lymphedema Support Group 
This group meets the first Monday of each even month (April, June, August, October, December, February) at 6:30 pm at the YMCA Healthy Living Center. 

Chaplain Services
The mission of the YMCA is “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body, for all.” In keeping with that mission, the YMCA of Greater Des Moines provides caring support to YMCA volunteers, members and staff, especially in times of crisis, through the YMCA Chaplain. The Chaplain program is a non denominational care-giving ministry that aids and sustains people with Christian concern, friendship, suggestions and referral to other supportive organizations when needed.

Everyone needs someone to talk to when they are hurting, confused, or feel alone. Assistance is available in situations that may involve conflicts between individuals or groups, personal illness or loss, need for emotional support, or a need for spiritual guidance. The support given is through Pastoral counseling and guidance. It is completely confidential and free of charge.

• Pastoral Care - Prayer, scriptures, insight, listening, encouragement, support.
• Pastoral Counseling - Individual, marriage and family counseling on moral, ethical, emotional, spiritual or faith issues. 
• Pastoral Visitation - Visiting of the hospitalized and confined, per-operative prayer or counseling, as desired
• Spiritual Direction and Mentoring - Guidance in finding a closer relationship with God.
• Referral Services - Help in locating a place of worship, and counseling referrals about issues outside the Chaplain's expertise.
• Memorial Services - Chaplain lead funeral services in memory of a deceased loved one.  

Chaplains are on site at the Healthy Living Center Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9-noon. Chaplain David Harper can be contacted at 971-2946 to schedule an appointment.

  Article:  The Lance Armstrong Foundation 

You may contribute to the LIVESTRONG ™at the YMCA program by clicking on the button below.