Safety is of utmost importance in the Y.  For an organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and youth, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and supporting and giving back to our neighbors and community, the Y engages in many safety related programs and practices so that each person who steps foot into the Y leaves the Y a better, healthier person.

One such program Y’s actively participate in is concussion management in youth sports.  By following the CDC’s HEADS UP program, Ys are using the CDC’s youth coaches and parent HEADS UP trainings so that all adults know how to prevent concussions from happening, but also recognize symptoms and circumstances when a concussion might have occurred, and what to do about it. Along with proper protocols for making sure kids don’t continue to participate in activities should they have sustained a concussion, Ys also have recommendations (and in most states, laws to follow) that determine when and how a child suspected or diagnosed with a concussion can “return to play”.  Regardless of whether kids are active in team or individual sports, organized or “pick-up” games, inside the gym or outside on a field, safe and deliberate procedures have to be followed so that kids get regular physical activity that is safe and healthy.

A second safety oriented program found in hundreds of Ys across the country are youth and adult swim lessons.  As the summer heats up, Y swim instructors teach literally thousands of children, youth, teens and adults how to not just be safe in and around water (pools, water parks, lakes, rivers, and oceans), but also how to enjoy the water for the fitness and well-being benefits it offers.  Whether it be to swim laps, play water games, skin or scuba dive, do water exercises, or just splash around, Y swimming lessons are vital to keeping everyone safe around the water, while also creating another means for enjoyable physical activity.  We all know how hard it is to get some kids out of the water, even after hours of swimming around, playing made up games, diving, or hanging onto mom or dad’s neck.  Knowing how to swim is vital to any child or adult.  Learning how to swim can be fun, especially if done by a trained, empathic instructor, like the one’s you’ll find at the Y.

You may also find bike safety programs, lifeguard training, babysitting certifications, CPR, and First Aid trainings at your local Y.

During these summer months, get and stay active, in a safe and sensible way.  What are your summer plans for staying active?  What safety tips can you share?  Will you be indoors or outside?  Are you planning on trying something new?  Learning or perfecting a new skill?

Summertime brings people outside to enjoy the sunshine and blue skies. Unfortunately, just because people are outdoors more does not mean that they are being active. Many people get in their car, drive to a pool or beach, set out their towel and lie or sit for hours - only to get back in their car, drive home and relax. This leads to a day full of inactivity!

For some people, it is second nature to be active all year round. Others may need a push. How can you help your community participate in healthier activities? Here are some ideas...

Participate in fit activities in your community

Some people just need a nudge to be more active. Ask your friends, neighbors, or co-workers to join you for a jog or walk. Be an active role model for your peers. Leading by example can be the best remedy for inactivity.

Invite your family and friends to the local park for a day of fun in the sun playing games and activities that get the heart racing. Think tag, capture the flag, volleyball, or even water balloon tosses. Parks departments also have great resources for getting involved in intramural sports, health fairs, charity walks or runs, and pet-friendly activities.

Join and help promote local fitness groups. Many communities already have fitness-themed groups or clubs, which entail biking, fun runners, ultimate Frisbee, yoga in the park, etc. If they don't have a group that suits your interests, create one!

Getting kids active and fit

Children are key to the success of our communities. Educating and teaching kids at an early age about the importance of health and fitness is a great investment in their continued health. The National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils is doing just this by installing brand new fitness centers in elementary and middle schools across the country.

This year, the following schools have already been selected for the fitness center award:

• Capital City Public Charter School - Washington, DC
• South Allegheny Middle School - Pittsburgh, PA
• Troy Intermediate School - Troy, PA
• Owatin Creek Elementary School - Reading, PA
• Roberto Clemente Promise Academy - Philadelphia, PA
  

  

The National Foundation expects to gain five more fitness centers by the end of the year.

Another recent example of a community health-and-fitness activity brought NBA/WNBA FIT to YMCA in San Francisco during ACSM's Annual Meeting. NBA/WNBA FIT Lead Clinician Frank Lopez got children up and moving via fun basketball fitness stations. The children then learned from Felicia Stoler, D.C.N., M.S., R.D., FACSM about proper nutrition.

What fitness activities does your community offer? What can you do to improve access to healthy activities for everyone?