Many Ys in Central New York now offer evidence-based chronic disease management programs
By Stefan Yablonski
Over the past several years, the YMCA of the USA has driven innovation in the prevention and control of chronic disease and disability to save lives and reduce health care spending.
With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Y has delivered tangible results in evidence-based health interventions.
Programs address needs including healthy weight and children, the Livestrong cancer survivor program, enhance fitness older adult group exercise, diabetes prevention and a blood pressure self-monitoring program.
Here’s a summary of what some CNY Ys offer.
In Oswego
Trish Levine, Oswego YMCA director of communication, marketing and health and wellness, said that the Oswego Y currently offers two programs: a blood pressure self monitoring program and a newly added fall prevention course — A Matter of Balance.
Oswego YMCA community health coordinator Jodie Osmun oversees these two evidence-based chronic disease management programs.
A Matter of Balance addresses a major public health concern for individuals older than 65 — injuries related to falls — as well as those living with chronic conditions such as heart disease.
The four-week evidence-based group program was developed by researchers at the Oregon Research Institute. The program, based on the principles of tai chi, is led by Oswego YMCA qualified instructor coaches who will teach modified movements and cognitive approaches especially for falls prevention.
It works to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility and mobility to enhance overall physical health, which leads to better functioning in daily activities.
Participation in the program may also result in better mental health, reduced stress, improved memory and cognition and increased self-esteem, according to Osmun.
In addition to the program’s physical benefits, the safe, supportive group setting provides an opportunity for participants to enjoy learning with like-minded adults and find relief from the isolation that can sometimes come from living with limited mobility.
The Oswego YMCA offers a four-week program in April at the Maples Assisted Living Facility in Fulton and again in May at the Oswego YMCA.
The program is free and limited to 12 per class. Interested individuals should contact the Oswego YMCA at 315-342-6082 to inquire on chronic disease management programs as well as other options for improving mobility, health and wellness.
In Onondaga County
The YMCA of Central New York offers evidence-based health intervention programs to address community health needs through structured, research-backed initiatives, according to Stefanie Noble, vice president of marketing and communication.
Among them are:
• Cancer support: Livestrong at the YMCA is a free 12-week exercise program for cancer survivors to regain strength.
Laurie’s Hope is a year-long program supporting breast cancer survivors. It is funded by the Saint Agatha Foundation.
• Chronic disease and senior wellness
• Enhance Fitness is a 16-week program designed for individuals with arthritis and older adults.
• Walk with Ease is a six-week walking program to reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Moving for Better Balance is a 12-week fall prevention program for older adults.
• Diabetes Prevention Program is a year-long lifestyle intervention for those at high risk for Type 2 diabetes.
• Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring is a four-month program to help individuals with hypertension track and manage their blood pressure.
• BrainSavers is a 12-week brain health program designed to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
These programs often require medical clearance and support individuals managing chronic conditions or recovering from health challenges.
The YMCA of Central New York also partners with healthcare providers and clinicians receiving referrals to offer an eight-week YMCA membership for patients completing medical treatment, allowing them to continue their health journey.
“Our goals for 2025 and beyond are to continue to work with additional referral partners to support our members to better health outcomes and continue to enhance our program delivery with additional sessions and adding more trainers and instructors,” Noble said. “We are proud to offer so many of these evidence-based health initiative programs to our YMCA of Central New York members.
“These proven, high-quality strategies empower our members as individuals to improve their well-being in a supportive environment and helps our Y create lasting healthy change in our community.”
In Fulton
The Fulton YMCA is changing its model to become a more inclusive, purpose-driven entity — one built to ensure everyone in every community has equal opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, according to executive director Amy Leotta.
“We do a women-to-women group. It’s a partnership with Oswego Health. We talk about mental health and support, coping skills. It’s an offshoot of our young girls program (Girls Rock). It’s a supportive space for women to connect, grow and unlock their inner potential through somatic practices, meditation, journaling and group discussions. All those aged 18 and older are welcome to attend this free program,” Leotta said.
Girls Rock is a weekly workshop for girls, ages 8 through 12, to experience the Y’s positive self-esteem boosting program. It is designed to transform self-doubts and insecurities into self-love & worth. It gives girls the space to be silly and play while giving them the tools to build healthy relationships and confidence.
Leotta invites women making a difference in the Fulton area to meet with the girls.
“It’s important for young girls to know the many ways that women and girls are positively impacting our world,” she said. “Girls Rock is building the strong confident leaders of the future. I love watching the girls interact with the adults and the connections being made.”
The Fulton Y currently doesn’t offer chronic disease management classes yet.
“We are currently looking at how to add an evidence-based program,” Leotta said. “It probably won’t actually launch until fall.”
A lot of their programs are focused on children, wellness and mental health.
“We have a full operating daycare and a before and after school program,” Leotta said. “We have a lot of things happening that are not your typical ‘gym and swim.’”
