Preventive Health Programs

The YWCA has three preventive health programs:
the Diabetes Wellness Project, the Diabetes Prevention
Project and the Health Outreach Program.

Diabetes Wellness Project
The goal of the Diabetes Wellness Project is to empower those with
diabetes to develop the habit of exercise to better manage their illness.
                     
Project Includes:
A commitment to exercising a minimum of 8 times a month            
Membership to Club W: YWCA Health and Fitness Center
Peer Mentorship
Fitness Counseling
Monthly Educational Sessions
Workout Support Groups

With full memberships to Club W, participants are encouraged to use the pool, fitness center and classes a minimum of 8 times a month. Through regular exercise, participants notice better blood sugar levels, more energy, weight loss, greater flexibility and greater self confidence. Working out together, participants support one another, creating an environment of inclusion, acceptance and friendship.

The program is supported by the United Way, Mission Health Care Foundation and the Buncombe County Medical Society Endowment. All participants become members of the YWCA at $40 a year. After that, the program costs are based on a sliding scale, using household income. This fee ranges from $15 to $55 a month. To register, please call Alphie Rodriguez at 828-254-7206 x 212.

Quotes from Diabetes Wellness Participants:

 "I can put my shoes on by myself again. Girl, I hadn't done that in two years."
 
"Everyday with Diabetes is a very stressful thing…Water is relaxing.  Not only do you get a chance to exercise and meet new people, but you get to be around people with problems like you have."
 
"I can bend down - doing full knee bends in the garden. I couldn't do that last spring."
 
"The social experience has broadened my world. It's such a great, diverse group. It's just a good gang."

Diabetes Prevention Project
The Diabetes Prevention project includes all the diabetes wellness program activities plus a 12-week weight management class. The project targets individuals who are at high risk for developing diabetes and who are interested in exercise as a lifestyle intervention. Candidates will have at least two risk factors; impaired glucose tolerance, obesity, sedentary lifestyle or a family history of diabetes. The program is supported by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. To register, please call Alphie Rodriguez at 828-254-7206 x 212.

Health Outreach Program
The Health Outreach Project is a community-based breast health education program that increases awareness, knowledge, screening, and early detection behaviors in the African-American population. Educational programs are presented in churches and community centers. For more information, contact Josephine Hall, Health Outreach Coordinator, at 828-254-7206 x 202.