Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris, Smith

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Advice to Keep Your Kids Healthy During the School Year

The fall season brings about cooler weather and the start of a new school year, which is usually accompanied by the onset of runny noses, coughs, and sore throats, often brought on by the many germs present in school.  And, those illnesses are often passed on to other family members, and before you know it, your entire household is down for the count.

Our partners at Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers, along with Dr. Stephanie Whitmer, a board-certified family medicine physician, offer some excellent advice to help keep your family healthy this fall season.

Keep Hands Clean

The traditional advice of lathering up with soap and warm water and washing your hands to the length of singing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice is still a great way to wash the germs away. According to Dr. Whitmer, having children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice while washing their hands is the easiest way for them to understand how long they should wash.

Be sure to have your child use warm water and lather all the way up to their wrists. And, remind them to not touch their face.  Harmful viruses and bacteria gain access to your body through the eyes, nose and mouth.

Boost Their Immune System

In order to fight off germs, your child’s immune system needs to be in tip-top shape.  Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet with fruit, vegetables and protein, plus a good pediatric multi-vitamin is key. And, a good night’s sleep is also crucial for a strong immune system.

Get Vaccinated

Flu season lasts nearly the entire school year, from October through May, so it’s important to get your family’s flu shots as early as possible.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older.

Take Time to Recover

Keeping your child home from school when he/she is ill not only prevents a virus or bacteria from spreading to others, but it also allows your child to recuperate quicker.

“I highly recommend keeping children home when they’re sick or feeling unwell,” Dr. Whitmer advised.

For additional tips to help keep your family healthy this fall, check out this great article, courtesy of Mayo Clinic.

YBL Looking For Team Sponsors


The YMCA’s Youth Sports program maximizes the positive effects of playing sports by emphasizing healthy competition and promoting teamwork. The Y focuses on the life lessons that can be learned from sports and coaches strive to instill a positive self-image in each player. Most importantly, in the YMCA league, everyone plays and everyone wins!

The YMCA relies on the generosity of local businesses to help underwrite the costs of its youth sports leagues through sponsorships. Our Youth Basketball League season will be starting soon and we are inviting any interested sponsors to contact the Y and help support a team. The deadline to submit a sponsorship is December 13.

Sponsorship Form

If you would like to learn more about how your business can make a difference in the life of a young Y athlete, please reach out to the Sports Director at your local branch:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Maria Romero
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 217

Galowich Family YMCA

Michael Taylor
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 307

Morris Community YMCA

Chris Interial
[email protected]
(815)-513-8080 ext. 514

Smith Family YMCA

Michael Taylor
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 307

Eating Right: Pasta Salad with Chicken and Vegetables

A Healthy Recipe from Our Partners at Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers

Pasta Salad with Chicken and Vegetables

Yield: 10 servings (serving size is one cup)

Ingredients

  • 1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 6-ounce can chicken breast packed in water, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
  • 16 ounces uncooked whole-wheat pasta
  • 1 10-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables

Directions

  1. Bring a gallon-sized pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Two minutes before the pasta is finished cooking, add in the frozen mixed vegetables. Once pasta is cooked and vegetables are tender, drain into a colander.
  3. While pasta and vegetables are cooking, gently mix the rinsed and drained beans, chicken and salad dressing in a large bowl until combined.
  4. Add the pasta and vegetables to the bowl and mix with the beans, chicken and salad dressing. Serve salad warm or cold.

Cooking Tip

  • Garbanzo beans are also known as chickpeas. Feel free to substitute any type of bean you like for the garbanzo beans.
  • When selecting which shape pasta to use, opt for smaller pasta such as rotini, macaroni or shells, which are similar in size to the vegetables and chicken. This will allow for better mixture of ingredients and dressing.

Calories: 315; Total fat: 9g; Sat. fat: 1.5g; Cholesterol 14mg; Sodium: 235mg; Carb.: 46g; Fiber 5g; Sugars: 2g; Protein 15g

Developing Future Leaders: Julie Wang’s Story


At the Y, we not only provide opportunities for young adults to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but also find ways to help them become well-rounded members of the community. JETS Swimmer Julie Wang is one such individual. Wang has been selected as one of just 22 swimmers from around the country to attend the YMCA’s Emerging Leader Academy in Orlando, Florida. The Academy’s conference will run from October 10 to October 13, providing an arena for students to hone their swimming talents as well further develop their leadership skills. 

“These athletes are not only great swimmers, they are great kids. They have a combination of athletic skill and leadership qualities that stand out,” Director of Competitive Aquatics Ashleigh Thomas said. “Being able to lead is something the Y Leadership Conference looks for and wants to continue to develop.”  

Wang’s relationship with the Y began when she was just five years old. At that time, she looked up to her older brother and his place in the JETS swim program. 

“He had started when he was eight and swam until he graduated high school. I saw that he was having so much fun with the team and I wanted that as well. It motivated me. One of my goals was to improve on my swimming, but I also wanted to make friends,” Wang said. 

Wang has maintained a strong relationship with her team members and says their support has made going to practices and meets some of the best experiences of her life. 

“You feel like you’ve accomplished something because they are there to cheer you on. We’re highly motivated and hold each other accountable,” she said.

Wang, a junior at Joliet West High School, has taken what she has learned from her time on the JETS and put it into action for her school’s team. 

“It’s a very different dynamic. Our team is in development and we’re trying to build a culture and a program. I came in as a freshman and was the fastest swimmer. When you’re in a situation like that a lot of people look to you. I realized you have to set a good example. The JETS has helped me strive to work harder,” Wang said. 

Thomas said one of Wang’s strengths is her drive to be successful in a wide range of activities. Wang is a straight-A student and also plays the french horn for her school band. 

“Julie is extremely well-rounded which is great if you’re going to compete in anything. She has this creative musical side to her and when you put her in groups she works well with different people,” Thomas said. 

Wang tries to apply the principles of patience and dedication she has learned from JETS into everyday life.

“Swimming has taught me a lot about responsibility and time management. I always looked up to the older kids on the team and watched them succeed. I strived to do that as well and become the best version of myself,” Wang said.  

In addition to the on-site “swimposium” aspect of the conference, academy assignments include online learning, interviews, self-assessment and a service project. Topics addressed will include leadership styles, communication, problem-solving and decision-making, difficult conversations, inclusion, influencing culture and mentorship. Wang is looking forward to what the program can teach her.

“I was honored to be considered. Being called a leader is a huge compliment. Ever since I was little, I have liked to take action to help people. It’s really rewarding,” Wang said. “I am blessed with so many opportunities and I want to make a difference and help the people around me. I feel like I’ll get to work on my leadership skills and meet other people with the same mentality.”

We congratulate Julie on her accomplishments and are proud to have her representing the Great Joliet Area YMCA this week!

Supporting Bright Futures: Mariah Johnson’s Story

A mainstay in the Joliet community for more than 90 years, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA brings families together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. For former YMCA summer day camp staffer Mariah Johnson, the Y not only helped her build connections in the community, but also supported her goal of becoming a teacher.

From an early age, Johnson knew she wanted to make a positive impact in the lives of children.  With her mother being a Family Ministries Pastor, she always found herself surrounded by children and she loved every minute of it.  Yet the defining moment for Johnson came in eighth grade when she took an aptitude test, which is used to determine an individual’s potential to succeed at any given task or role.  And, she was surprised by her test results.

“My suggested profession was to become a teacher and I remember telling my teacher at the time that I wanted to be a mother when I was older,” Johnson explained. “But my teacher opened my mind to the possibility of being both a mother and teacher one day—which was something I had never thought about before.”

From that conversation forward, Johnson set her sights on becoming a teacher.  And, upon graduating from Minooka Community High School, Johnson was accepted into Wheaton College, where she went on to study elementary education.  While in college, Johnson knew she needed to get some experience working with children before jumping into her career. During her job search, her friend from church encouraged her to apply for a position as a summer day camp counselor at the Smith Family YMCA in Joliet.

During her interview at the Y, she knew instantly that it was a perfect fit.

“I loved that the Y was a Christian organization that instills positive values, and they provide activities for children that go beyond the mind,” Johnson said.

Johnson worked as a summer day camp counselor at the Smith Family YMCA for three consecutive years while she was in college. Although she fully enjoyed each of her three years working as a camp counselor, this year’s summer camp experience proved to be the most transformative thanks to a chance meeting with a local school district superintendent.

Last spring, just before the beginning of camp, Mariah attended an open house with Smith Family YMCA Executive Director Donnie Chestnutt for the Y’s new off-site camp at Fairmont School.  While at the open house, Chestnutt remembered that Mariah had just graduated and she was seeking a career as a teacher.  And, knowing Johnson’s passion for working with children, she introduced her to Fairmont School District’s Superintendent Diane Cepela.

From that moment, everything seemed to fall into place. Superintendent Cepela gave Johnson a tour of the school that same day, and Cepela was immediately impressed by Johnson’s ability to articulate, her composure and her demeanor.

“I could feel her character, which is a hard thing to describe, but I could tell she was a caring person and working with children was her calling,” said Cepela.

After a short tour and conversation, Cepela quickly scheduled an interview with Johnson for the following Monday. And, by Tuesday, Johnson was offered the position as a third-grade teacher for the 2019-2020 school year.

Overjoyed with her job offer, Johnson couldn’t believe the opportunity that was in her ‘backyard’ and was grateful the YMCA helped her to see the community in ways she never imagined.

“I wouldn’t have known about Fairmont School District or even applied for the job without the support and the community the Y provided me with,” said Johnson.

With the school year underway, Johnson is adjusting nicely to her new role at Fairmont School.  Numerous students recognize her from the Y’s summer camp and they enjoy spending time with her at the beginning of the school day; even if it’s just to say ‘hi.’  In the future, Johnson looks forward to many fun and rewarding moments with her students.  And, she is eager to help shape the minds of many students in years to come.

Congratulations, Miss Johnson! We are proud of you and the amazing work you will do at Fairmont School.

If you’re are looking to take an active role in bringing about meaningful, enduring change right in your own community, the Y is looking to fill a number of positions.  To view all available positions or to apply online, please visit www.jolietymca.org

Take Control of Your Health: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to create awareness of the disease. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, affecting more than 240,000 women in the United States each year.

During the month of October, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA encourages women to take control of their health and understand the risk factors attributed to breast cancer. Although some of the most significant risk factors are uncontrollable, there are a couple of key risk factors you can control, including:

Exercise and Diet

Exercising regularly is not only great for your physical health, but it can also lower your risk of breast cancer, according to Breastcancer.org.  And, developing a well-balanced diet will help to maintain a healthy weight.

If you have questions about physical fitness or your nutrition, make sure to speak with a member of our wellness team during your next visit.

Early Detection

It is important to receive regular health screenings to detect breast cancer early.   To learn more about preventative screenings, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider, who can better assess your individual health needs.

To learn more about breast cancer or how you can support women affected by breast cancer, be sure to visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website.

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