Gloom and doom is all over the news – my question to you is, where DO you have the power to make a positive difference? My advice is to focus in three important areas; your health & well being, family and our community.
At the Y, I work with kids, adults and families on a daily basis in we call the foundations for strong, healthy families and communities:
- Physical exercise, even at moderate levels, can reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. Over the long term, regular exercise can ward against the physical and financial toll of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Experts agree that investing in health and wellbeing always offers a positive return.
- Family strengthening is equally important. Make family time a priority and include children in discussions about how to trim budgets. Eating dinner as a family or enjoying a Saturday afternoon activity together can bring families closer and reinforce the idea that family members support one another in difficult times.
- Connections to community bind people together, offer support and give people an important sense of belonging. Get engaged in the community, volunteer to help others in need and enjoying friendship and camaraderie. All these enrich lives and make individuals, families and communities stronger and more resilient.
Our YMCA is a community-based, nonprofit organization that works to support families and individuals in good times and during some of the most challenging periods.
It’s tough times like these that bring communities and families together. We know the importance of reaching out to others during difficult times. Financial aid is available to make YMCA programs and services available to all members of the community. Times of change and uncertainty are not times to “go it alone.”
If you would like more information about YMCA programs or financial assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me (507) 6450088. Thank you!
Virginia Kaczmarek
Executive Director
Northfield Area Family YMCA
www.northfieldymca.org
