| February 2008 |
Vol 1, Issue 2 |
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Spirit, Mind & Body
YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo |
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| Greetings! |
| Welcome to 2008! May you and your family enjoy a healthy and happy year. We hope you'll make use of YMCA programs and services to do so.
We're a healthy choice for you and your family. |
| YMCA Strong Kids Campaign launches February 15 |
The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign helps the YMCA to offer assistance to kids and families facing financial barriers to accessing programs and services such as our Family YMCAs and camps.
The campaign, which is a year-long effort, has its public phase from February 15 - March 15. Its intent is to make sure that as many people know about the campaign, why it is important and how to help. This year's efforts uses people telling YMCA stories to help get others to give. To read the stories or give online, visit ymcastrongkids.ca.
A couple of upcoming events are planned in support of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign:
- The Artsy Affair is being held by the YMCA of Cambridge on Saturday, April 5. Tickets will be available by March 1.
- The YMCA Get Fit Challenge at the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA sees Roger Pownall once again challenging people to increase their level of physical activity or add variety to it while raising funds to help the campaign. It runs April 4 - April 21.
Follow these links to learn more about the campaign in Cambridge or Kitchener-Waterloo. |
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| Fitlinxx launches at A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA |
The A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA now features Fitlinxx on cardio equipment in the Individual Conditioning Centre. This means the equipment are connected to a computerized system that can transform your workouts and help you achieve your goals. It replaces your workout card allowing you to automatically access your program and track your progress. Learn more at the Fitlinxx website. Read Shirley Lichti's column on the benefits of this new feature.
Later in the year, Actipeds will be available as a part of the system to help track your every day physical activity too and Fitlinxx will be added to the Individual Conditioning Centre's weight equipment.
This system is similar to the Technogym Smartkey technology available at the Chaplin Family YMCA. |
| Build strong kids by building social competencies |
- Have a family meeting where children have a voice in decision making
- Smile and say hello to at least one new person each day
- Learn about your own cultural heritage and the heritage of others
- Help youth practice coping skills when difficult situations arise
- Learn and model peaceful ways to resolve disagreement
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| Exercise and Arthritis |
by Dave Patterson, BSc (Kin), MTS
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA Volunteer
It is not uncommon in this day and age to find sports and recreation enthusiasts of all stripes, even those with physical ailments. One of the most common conditions facing our hard-working and aging population is osteoarthritis (OA).
Unlike the rheumatoid variety, most everyone has some degree of OA, for it can be brought on by everyday wear and tear, and usually it is discovered with a loss of flexibility or the onset of crepitus or joint grinding. But should an OA sufferer still remain active? Absolutely! Arthritics should not overdo it especially during periods of "flare up". These are the times for rest, heat therapy and possibly doctor-prescribed medication. But at other times, exercise goals include: improved physical condition, reduced pain and stiffness, minimizing of muscle weakness and wasting, plus prevention of deformity. Moderation and close monitoring are the keys.
We all exercise to look and feel good. So try not to let the maladies of work and aging prevent you from leading a full, vibrant life. Remember: stay fit for life!
Learn more:
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| Cambridge Times Article - Literacy: A family affair |
Family Literacy Day a great reminder to begin lifelong love for learning
Lisa Rutledge
Published on Jan 31, 2008
Reading aloud to children 15 minutes a day and providing plenty of opportunities to express themselves through creative artwork will go a long way to developing neural pathways needed to boost little brains.
When Family Literacy Day rolls around every January, it's an exciting time for Waterloo's early literacy expert Mary Trottier because it shines the spotlight on her favourite subject.
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| My YMCA Story by Sarah Loewen |
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In July 2007, Sarah Loewen reflected upon her experiences with the YMCA after her most recent experience as the KW YMCA's International Coordinator. Sarah was a member of the Champion Network and her story illustrates the difference that YMCA staff and volunteers make in building healthy lives and communities across the world. Sarah is now studying to be a teacher. We're confident her YMCA story will continue.
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| Area Seniors get their kicks at YMCA |
A recent column in The Record explains why our Family YMCAs are a healthy choice for older adults.
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| Host Program helps newcomers of all ages |
| The 'traditional Host' program that has been run in Kitchener-Waterloo for more than 20 years will soon be offered by the YMCA Immigrant Services in Cambridge too. In this program, a newcomer gets together with a Canadian volunteer in a friendly social setting to learn about life in Canada. An example is a recent pizza party shown in the header photo. Volunteers are always needed. There's also a school version of the Host Program.
Over the past year, the Host Program has expanded to include a mentorship program for internationally-trained newcomers, matches for older adults and a youth coordinator. The School and Youth Coordinators run the Host Program Learning Circle on Thursday nights to help newcomer kids in grade three to grade 12 with their school work. Contact 519-579-9622 or visit our website for more information.
This program is offered in partnership with Frontier College and the University of Waterloo Tutors. |
| Black History Month - Celebrating Our Heritage |
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The YMCA of Cambridge is a partner in that city's events celebrating February as Black History Month. One of the featured events is the Black History Month Open House, Sunday February 23, 2008, 4 - 8 p.m., at the YMCA Immigrant & Community Services, 258 Hespeler Road.
Learn more about immigrant services in Cambridge. |
| More healthy choices for you and your family |
- YMCA Outdoor Centre Programs, February programs include a winter family camp and cross-country skiing. Learn more.
- Chaplin Family Wellness Seminar Series, next topic: Blood pressure check by Paramed, Tuesday February 26/08 from 9a.m.-12p.m., Rotunda, *No registration required* - Learn about future seminars.
- Global Youth Forum: Building A Strong Global Community, March 20, 2008 - Learn more.
- Registration OPEN for YMCA Overnight Camps
Now is the time to choose a summer adventure at a YMCA Overnight Camp: Belwood, Ki-Wa-Y and Wabanaki. Our camps fill up quickly so you are encouraged to register now using our Online Registration form. To learn about all the possibilities for adventure see our PDF brochure or the information we have available online. | |
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Thank you for reading this issue of Spirit, Mind & Body. Please forward to families and friends who may be interested using the forward feature below.
Sincerely, |
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The YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo |
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