When looking for ways to get more fruits and veggies in a simple and delicious way, many health-conscious consumers have turned to smoothies and juices. Whether as a meal replacement or just for extra nutrition, drinking your produce has become more and more popular. There is definitely some debate and controversy over the merits of each option. However, it is undeniable that both do have some advantages, as long as you’re careful.
Olympic Swimmers Visit the Y
The C.W. Avery Family YMCA was lucky enough to have three U.S. Olympians pay a visit to their branch this past Sunday. As a part of the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour, Olympians Kara Lynn Joyce, Chloe Sutton and Scott Weltz taught a swim clinic focused on helping kids become better, more efficient swimmers.
The event was a big hit—a total of 120 area youth between the ages of seven and seventeen attended the sold-out clinic. The Olympians shared various tips and techniques, conducted pool workouts and dry land exercises and even held a Q&A.
A Giver Who Keeps On Giving
Mynne Schmidt, who is simply known as Sis around the Y, is a sweet woman with a big heart and an even bigger passion for swimming.
“I’ve been a swimmer for most of my life,” Sis said. “I learned to swim at five-years-old in the DuPage River. It put me onto a lifetime of swimming.”
For more than a decade, Sis has been a generous donor at the YMCA, where she’s had a membership since 1998. Each year, she donates at least $1,000 to benefit those who need membership and program scholarships. Recently, Sis decided to add to her legacy by giving an endowment of $10,000.
What Sets The Y Apart
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has served families in local communities for nearly nine decades. It is our hope that we can continue to impact lives on a daily basis for years to come, firmly establishing ourselves as more than just a gym, but as a place where people can learn, grow and thrive.
Making a lasting difference within our community is a top priority. At the Y, we work hard to ensure that no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. We accomplish this goal by raising funds each year during our Annual Campaign, which runs now through April 26. With your help, local families will continue to have access to much-needed before and after school care, summer camps and fitness programs that are essential to living a healthy lifestyle. Every gift matters!
Did You Know?
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Each year, the Y provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship funds to those in need of financial assistance.
A donation of $100 allows a child to participate in the Y’s youth basketball league for eight weeks to learn new skills and experience the joy of being part of a team.
In 2013, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA provided nearly $750,000 in financial assistance for program and membership scholarships, and free and subsidized programs for youth and seniors. Funds raised during our Community Campaign will help to support these efforts and benefit the Y’s scholarship fund.
In February 2014, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA raised more than $96,000 at its seventh annual Giving Gala, with all proceeds benefiting the Y’s scholarship fund.
Any donation made to the Y is 100 percent tax deductible.
YMCAs are the largest providers of child care in the nation. The Greater Joliet Area YMCA provides child care for hundreds of kids throughout Will and Grundy counties. An annual donation of $1,000 provides two children with six weeks of before and after school care, assuring working parents that their children are safe, happy and healthy.
With more than 2,000 pools in the U.S. alone, YMCAs maintain the largest number of swimming pools in the world. A donation of $200 gives four children a chance to learn to swim, gaining confidence and skills that will last a lifetime.
When you donate $25 during the Annual Campaign, you’ll get a complimentary t-shirt as a reminder that you have changed lives for the better.
Nourishing Thoughts
A Case For Saturated Fats
Americans have long been told that saturated fats are to be avoided, because they lead to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. New studies are emerging, however, that suggest they aren’t so bad after all. Looking carefully at both sides of the debate can help shed light on which choices are best.
Saturated fats are mainly found in animal products, such as butter, bacon, fatty meats, lard and milk fat. However, they can also be found in some plant products, most notably coconut oil and palm oil. If it is a natural product and is solid at room temperature, it is most likely a saturated fat.
According to the USDA Dietary Guidelines, published in 2010, we should strive to get fewer than 10 percent of our calories from saturated fats. Given an average 2,000-calorie diet, that’s about 22 grams of saturated fats per day. Most of the saturated fats in American’s diets come from regular cheese, pizza, grain- and dairy-based desserts, chicken and chicken mixed dishes, sausages and bacon, and burgers. For comparison’s sake, an ounce of Cheddar cheese contains 6 grams, a Big Mac has 10 grams and a 10-ounce ribeye has 28 grams.
The dietary guidelines state we should avoid foods containing saturated fats when possible, and strive to get most of our fats from unsaturated sources, such as those found in seafood, nuts, seeds, and oils. Historically, these were shown to have a protective effect on the heart.
Top 5 Reasons You Should Join the Y
The Staff
At the Y, you’re more than just a customer—you’re a friend. Furthermore, you’re a part of a strong community. Our staff is the piece that binds that community together, helping you achieve your goals and encouraging you every step along the way. That’s what sets the Y apart. We’re willing to go the distance to help our members learn, grow and thrive.
The Cause
The YMCA is more than just a gym. It’s a cause. As a nonprofit organization, we raise funds and provide assistance to those who need it most. At the Y, no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. And because of that, families can come to the Y for much-needed before school and after school programs, summer camps, youth sports, group fitness classes and swim lessons.
The Programs
Catering to all ages, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA offers a seemingly infinite amount of programs taught by hard-working, dedicated individuals. For health enthusiasts, we offer group fitness classes and private personal training sessions. For youngsters, we have youth sports leagues, swim lessons and a wide variety of camps. For seniors, we offer low-impact fitness and aquatic classes and much more! With so many offerings, we are sure to have programs and classes that fit your family’s needs and busy schedules.
The Facilities
Aside from a gymnasium, each of our facilities has a wellness center ideal for any workout routine, a lap pool for swim enthusiasts and a supervised playroom for before and after school needs. The Galowich and Smith Family YMCAs have all of the aforementioned amenities, along with a racquetball court. The C.W. Avery Family YMCA, the largest of our three branches, includes a renovated, state-of-the-art wellness center, an indoor running track and a family aquatic center with a water park, among many other amenities.
The Results
As mentioned before, we’re here to help you achieve your goals. Join our Y family and you’ll see the results! When you walk out the door, you’ll feel a sense of pride, accomplishment and pure joy.
