New York City’s YMCA is on the

front line in the battle to prevent

costly, debilitating and deadly

chronic diseases. Deemed as the

“public health challenge of the

21st century” by the Center for

Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC), chronic diseases are not

only weighing down our health

care system, but also diminishing

our city’s quality of life.

HERE FOR GOOD CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION

Lifestyle related and often preventable diseases are responsible for seven out of 10

deaths in New York. Approximately one out of every eight adults has type 2 diabetes.

In just five years, the overall childhood obesity rate increased by 10% in the United

States. Children from low-income homes saw a 23% increase in obesity.

There is no quick fix or miracle drug to prevent the onset of these conditions.

Prevention means learning about and leading a healthier lifestyle, a task that can

seem daunting when going at it alone.

“AN OUNCE

OF PREVENTION

IS WORTH A

POUND OF CURE.”-Benjamin Franklin

THE Y IS NEW YORK CITY’S MOST EFFECTIVE HEALTH EDUCATOR

HUGUENOT, NYStrategically positioned in 22 communities

across all five boroughs, the YMCA is one

of the City’s largest providers of non-

clinical, preventative health care services.

Every day, we educate, inspire and empower

kids and families to take charge of their

health, prevent illness by making smart

food and lifestyle choices, and by staying

physically active. We help individuals who

are at risk of chronic diseases within the

welcoming, non-threatening environment

of a community center staffed by employees

who understand the local community.

NEW YORK CITY’S Y HAS BROUGHT A LASER-FOCUS TO DELIVERING QUALITY PROGRAMS

THAT COMBAT THE EPIDEMICS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES AND CHILDHOOD OBESITY.

In response to the increasing and alarming number of type 2

diabetes cases found in low-income neighborhoods, we created

the YMCA’S DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM. YDPP works

with those who have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, helping

them to avoid the disease. The program is modeled after the

National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention’s landmark Diabetes Prevention Program,

which proved that a small amount of weight loss (5% to 7% of

total body weight), healthier food choices, and 30 minutes of

physical activity five days per week can prevent or delay the

onset of the disease by 58%.

HOW IT WORKS:

Through doctor referral, adults

in groups of up to 15 people

participate in 16 weekly sessions

of YDPP workshops. YMCA Trained

Lifestyle Coaches lead classes

covering topics that include healthy

eating, getting started with physical

activity, overcoming stress, and staying motivated. After the

16 sessions, participants can stay engaged by meeting on a

monthly basis to receive continued support and guidance.

Since the program began in 2010, YDPP has worked with more

than 1,200 individuals to create a healthier future.

A PRESCRIPTION FOR PREVENTION

Cases of type 2 diabetes have

MORE THAN DOUBLED over the past 10 years.

More than

HALF A MILLION adult New Yorkers have been diagnosed

with diabetes, and an additional

200,000 have diabetes but do not yet know it.

Approximately

ONE OUT OF EIGHT adults has type 2 diabetes.

More than half of the adults

diagnosed with diabetes are

BLACK OR HISPANIC.

In low-income communities, type

2 diabetes accounts for

43 DEATHS per 100,000

-- nearly 3.5 times higher than

higher-income areas.

The epidemic of obesity is a crisis facing New York and the

entire country. Obesity-related illness will soon become the

top avoidable cause of death in the United States, surpassing

diseases related to tobacco use.

New York’s children are more likely to be obese or overweight

compared to their national peers, with minority children from

low-income homes being especially at risk. Among the driving

forces are the combination of poor diets and a lack of outdoor

space to pursue physical activity. Children with nothing to do

are more prone to overeating and sedentary lifestyles.

With more than 1.3 million square feet of health and fitness

facilities and community space, the Y is at the center of the

solution to getting kids active and engaged.

Designed to combine gamification and physical

activity, the Y’s MODERATE TO VIGOROUS

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM (Y-MVP)

inspires kids ages 11 to 17 to regularly engage

in fitness. The program begins with an eight week class of

fun physical fitness challenges. The kids keep track of their

weekly “missions” and “quests” by recording their activities on

electronic kiosks. As kids engage in more rigorous exercise, they

earn “digital badges” that acknowledge their achievements and

unlock tangible rewards, such as Y-MVP branded water bottles

and t-shirts. The program is presented much like an interactive

video game and creates friendly, goal driven competition.

When participants successfully complete the eight week class,

they receive a medal that declares “I COMPLETED THE Y-MVP

TEEN FITNESS CHALLENGE!”

Y-MVP is just one of the programs that the Y offers to get

kids fit and healthy. From swimming lessons to karate class to

hip-hop dance, the Y keeps kids moving in the right direction.

From 2003-2007, the childhood obesity rate

increased by 10% in the US. Children from

low-income homes saw a 23% increase in obesity.

Nearly A THIRD OF STUDENTS

in the Bronx (31.7%), Brooklyn (29.2%) and

Staten Island (28.7%) are overweight or obese.

This epidemic has serious financial ramifications,

costing approximately

$150 BILLION ANNUALLY.

US Average

Low-income Homes

Obese children and adolescents are at

GREATER RISK for prediabetes, bone and

joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological

problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

PLAYING TO LOSE

IF OBESITY RATES CONTINUE TO INCREASE, THIS GENERATION OF CHILDREN

MAY LIVE SHORTER LIVES THAN THEIR PARENTS.

Studies have shown that regular

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY promotes improved academic performance and cognitive

skills in children. It also increases the sense of “well-being.”