From the Fall 2011 StayHealthy publication

There’s no magic cure or fountain-of- youth elixir to living to a ripe old age. According to medical research, making small, healthy changes today can lead to a healthier life tomorrow.

It’s Official: The United States has more centenarians – people who live beyond 100 years – than any other country of the world, according to the U.S. Census. In fact, today nearly 800,000 Americans are 100 or older. Where the average life expectancy was 54 years in 1915, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now lists the life expectancy for Americans at nearly 78. “We have made huge advances in healthcare and public safety, giving people confidence of living to a ripe old age,” said Candice Yu-Fleming, MD, a family medicine physician with Portage Medical Group.

That’s the good news. Yet, the reality is that chronic health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease are also on the rise, not only due to population growth and aging, but also due to the increasing prevalence of obesity and inactivity, according to the World Health Organization.

Read more: It Doesn't Take Magic...

The Portage Township YMCA's After School Care/Y-Care LAUNCH program began September 27. These children are from Aylesworth, Willowcreek, Central and Myers and our bussed from their school to the Y's Aylesworth Elementary site. They are very excited to be able to take advantage of the outdoors and incorporate exercise in their day. The YMCA also runs a second site at Jones Elementary School. The children at that location are from Jones, Crisman and Kyle.

The Portage Township YMCA has been actively involved in school age child care for over 20 years. Children can be dropped off at our secure, affordable childcare as early as 6:30 am and stay after school till 6:00 pm. For many working parents, this is a growing need. As Holly Cook, Y-Care parent says, "K-Care and Y-Care has given me the opportunity to work while my husband, who was laid off, could find time to explore the workforce."

Read more: Portage YMCA LAUNCH...

From the Fall 2011 Senior Circle publication

Those of us who live in the Midwest may live better if we eat the Mediterranean way, according to Jill Kilhefner, registered dietitian with Porter. “Eating the Mediterranean way can reduce our risks for stroke, heart disease and even cancer.” According to Kilhefner, a Mediterranean diet means:

1. Focusing on more fruits and vegetables

2. Filling up on more whole grains

3. Eating less protein – especially less red meat, bacon or sausage. Substitute fish or lean poultry instead.

Read more: Eating the...

If someone tells you, “no pain, no gain”, walk away.

Today you can achieve good results without “overdoing it”. We can thank the good research in the sports medicine/fitness industry to know that exercising at the proper intensity will allow us to improve without feeling too tired but more importantly, to not cause undue stress on our muscles and joints.

So how do you find your sweet spot? You know, the place somewhere between too easy (not achieving benefits or long lasting changes) and too difficult (not enabling you to complete or cause you to lose motivation).

Read more: Training Basics

Couch to Course is designed to transform couch potato’s into runners/walkers in 8 short weeks. This training program is to help prepare for the Portage Township YMCA’s 11th annual Turkey Trot 4 mile run/5K Walk which will take place on Thanksgiving Morning. The event will run a new course this year.

The program will be held every Saturday at 8:00 am beginning Oct. 8 thru Nov. 19 for runners and walkers. Participants will meet in the YMCA lobby and utilize the Rails to Trails for training. Must be 14 and older to train. $14 Primary Plus, $20 Primary, $40 Non-Members. These fees include t-shirt and registration to the Turkey Trot.

Read more: Couch to Course at the...

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and the YMCAs in Porter County are reminding parents about the importance of incorporating regular physical activity and healthier eating habits into their children’s lives.

Childhood obesity rates have soared over the last few decades. Nationally, one in three children is obese or overweight, according to the National Institutes of Health. More alarming, obesity puts children at risk for chronic diseases often seen in adults, such as high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the current generation of American children is on track to be the first to live shorter lives than their parents. This health crisis sheds light on the need to provide children and their parents with the resources and the support they need, emphasizing that small steps can lead to big results to reverse the trend.

Read more: The Y Urges Healthier...

Sara Grassmeyer is passionate about spreading health and wellness education throughout the community. As the new Wellness Coordinator at Porter County Parks and Recreation, she has used this enthusiasm to create several new fitness programs that are beginning this in September.

“I have learned that the community of Valparaiso has an immense amount of pride,” Grassmeyer, a native of Colorado, said. “People love it here and want to see local resources maximized, so it is my job to help highlight the natural beauty and attract people to enjoy their favorite activities, while learning new skills along the way.”

All of the new wellness programs being offered by Porter County Parks and Recreation are taking place at Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Road in Valparaiso. The scenic outdoor environment, combined with exercise that is ideal for any skill level, makes for a unique community resource, Grassmeyer said.

Read more: Porter County Parks...