Courtesy photo

The Family Y News:

February is often associated with love and hearts, but it also is American Heart Month. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.

This month the Family YMCA is highlighting ways to prevent heart disease and teach youth early on how to stay Heart Smart.

The Y gave a challenge to the community’s kids (Kindergarten-6th grade) to make posters that creatively teach about ways of fighting heart disease and living a healthy life. The competition was very close but after much deliberation the judges chose the following:

K-3rd grade winners:

• 1st Place: Josie C.
• 2nd Place: Etta H.
• 3rd Place: Anjelica F.

4th-6th grade winners:

• 1st Place: Naomi M.
• 2nd Place: James M.
• 3rd Place: Karina C.

The winners have won $30, $20 and $10 for the respective place, they may claim their prize at the front desk. Thank you to ALL the kids that submitted these wonderful posters, they will be on display all of March so stop by and check out all the posters.

Being physically active is important to prevent heart disease and stroke, the nation’s #1 and #5 killers. To keep happy and healthy, the Y has three ways to maintain smart choices all 12 months of the year and help continue the fight against heart disease. 

3 Ways To Stay Heart Smart All Year At The Family Y:

1. Sign Up for a Wellness Orientation or Consultation: Knowledge is the greatest tool to succeed and with some support everyone can be successful in reaching their SMART goal. This is a great way to review goals and create a plan to get moving or even learn some new ways to work out that will keep to stay engaged and have fun.
2. Try a Group fitness class at the Y. The Y offers classes for all levels. Try a beginning boxing series, or a cardio hip hop class or cycling. These are just a few options.
3. Bring a friend or loved one to the Y. Your health begins with you, but your family and community have a part in it as well. Communities, health professionals and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices. Encourage your family and friends to attend the Y with you to receive the knowledge and resources to live a healthy life.

About The Family YMCA

The YMCA has a motto: “We don’t turn anyone away for their inability to pay.” This year the YMCA has a fundraising goal of $175,000 that will support financial assistance through need-based scholarships for childcare, memberships and youth programs; as well as program support for our Teen Centers in Los Alamos and Española.