Healthy Living — Page 18 — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

My Y Rewards Special February Earnings Event

January 29, 2025

At the Y, we know that maintaining a consistent health and wellness routine in the winter is a difficult task. That is why we are excited to help you stay on track with our My Y Rewards ‘February 15’ Challenge! Members enrolled in the My Y Rewards program who check in at the Y at least 15 times during the month of February will receive 150 bonus points.

The My Y Rewards program is free and available to Facility Members, ages 16 and up. If you aren’t already a rewards member, learn how to enroll by clicking below.

ENROLL TODAY

Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll also earn points each time you check in, take a class, or refer a friend to the Y. In fact, you’ll earn your first 50 points for simply enrolling in the program. You can then redeem your points for fun Y swag and program and membership credits.

If you have any questions or any feedback on the My Y Rewards Program, please be sure to stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit or email [email protected].

SHARE THIS:

Morris Hospital YMCA Invites Community to Nutrition and Heath Education Seminars

January 15, 2025

The Morris Hospital YMCA is teaming up with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers to offer a series of nutrition and health education seminars throughout the winter and spring. Free and open to the community, these informative sessions will provide invaluable support and guidance for individuals looking to establish and maintain healthy lifestyles in 2025 and beyond.

All programs will be held at the Morris Hospital YMCA. Open to ages 18 and up.

NUTRITION SEMINARS

Heart Disease and Diet
Tuesday, February 18
5:30-6:60 p.m.

A heart-heathy diet is used to help reduce blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. During this seminar, a Morris Hospital registered dietitian will teach you how to reduce saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium, while increasing fiber in your diet.

How to Build Muscle with Protein Intake
Wednesday, March 26
5:30-6:30 p.m.

A Morris Hospital registered dietitian will discuss the importance of protein intake and provide examples of which foods are rich in protein. The class will also focus on gaining muscle and weight in general.

Meal Prepping for People with Parkinson’s or Cooking for Themselves
Wednesday, April 23
2:30-3:30 p.m.

Having Parkinson’s disease may lead to some nutritional deficiencies. A Morris Hospital registered dietitian will explain how to incorporate the right foods into your meals to make sure you’re getting the best nutrition. The class is also beneficial for individuals who cook meals for themselves, as single serving meals will be explored.

Build Balanced Meals for Weight Loss
Tuesday, May 20
5:30-6:30 p.m.

If you’re looking to lose weight, this class is for you. A registered dietitian from Morris Hospital will discuss how to create a balanced plate by incorporating all food groups. Weight loss and weight management tips through balanced eating will also be covered.

How to Read Nutrition Labels
Thursday, June 19
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Nutrition labels can be confusing to read, especially since they have undergone some changes. A registered dietitian from Morris Hospital will teach you how to properly read nutrition labels so you are able to find the amount of nutrients (carbohydrates, calories, vitamins/minerals, sugar) you are eating. This class will also provide tips for grocery shopping for individual households.

HEALTH EDUCATION SEMINARS

Taking Care of Your Heart for Overall Health
Monday, February 10
5:30-6:60 p.m.

We will be discussing how exercise helps depression, anxiety, reduction in the risk of dementia, all of which play a significant role in heart health.

Strength Balance, and Support = Healthy Life
Wednesday, March 12
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Athletic trainers help with prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. There are a variety of ways an athletic trainer can benefit your health. Join us during National Athletic Trainer month to learn more!

Parkinson’s and You
Friday, April 11
2-3 p.m.

Whether you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s or are a caregiver for someone with Parkinson’s, there is so much to learn and understand! Join Dr. Isaac Mezo as he explains medications and therapy services to help manage symptoms and more.

Learn More, Breathe Better
Tuesday, May 6
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Despite how important our lungs are, it’s easy to take them for granted. Make plans to attend this seminar to learn about various conditions that may affect your respiratory health. We’ll talk prevention, breathing techniques, and more.

Dimensions of Wellness
Tuesday, June 3
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Do you know there are many dimensions that make up your overall wellness? Wellness is about more than just exercise and diet. In this seminar, Morris Hospital Wellness Manager Becca Evola will discuss each dimension and how they each play a role in your wellness.

SHARE THIS:

Galowich Family YMCA Offering Free Swim Lesson Sampler Classes from January 23-25

January 15, 2025

The Galowich Family YMCA is offering FREE swim lesson sampler classes for kids, ages 3-13. Free and open to the community, this is a great opportunity for families to learn more about the YMCA’s swim lesson program. As part of the class, participants will complete a swim test to determine the best starting level for their first lesson at the Y!

DATES AND TIMES

Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24
Classes are available from 4:50-5:20 p.m., 5:25-5:55 p.m., and 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25
Classes are available from 11:15-11:45 a.m. and 11:50 a.m-12:20 p.m.

Spots are limited, so register today!

If you have any questions about swim lessons at the YMCA, please contact:

Catie Wallis
Galowich Family YMCA Aquatics Director
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 320

SHARE THIS:

Morris Hospital YMCA Welcomes Community with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House

January 14, 2025

The Morris Hospital YMCA was proud to welcome the community to a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House on Saturday, January 11.

Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair said that the celebration was the perfect way to culminate a project nearly 20 years in the making.

“This building is a beacon of hope, a place of connection, and a space where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can come together to learn, grow, and thrive. It’s where our shared vision of strengthening the foundations of our community will come to life and impact Grundy County residents for generations to come,” Leclair said. “To our donors, volunteers, our partners at Morris Hospital, the City of Morris, Grundy County, and to all of our YMCA members, I’d like to thank you for believing in the Y’s mission and making this dream a reality.”

The new YMCA facility, which was made possible thanks to the largest charitable fundraising effort in Grundy County history, has now welcomed more than 4,000 visitors since opening its doors on December 16.

Additional Ribbon Cutting Speakers Included:
Christina Van Yperen, Grundy County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
Donna Jeschke, Morris Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet Volunteer
Cheri Rubocki, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors Chairman
Tom Dohm, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers President and CEO
Mayor Chris Brown, City of Morris
State Senator Sue Rezin, Illinois – 38th District
Missy Durkin, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Business Development Officer
Kevin Olson, Morris Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet Co-Chair
Guy Christensen, Morris Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet Co-Chair
Jamie Heitman, Morris Hospital YMCA Executive Director

At the conclusion of the Ribbon Cutting, the YMCA hosted a Community Open House from 1-4 p.m., which featured a wide range of activities, including facility tours, program demonstrations, group exercise classes, face painting, and arts and crafts. WCSJ was also onsite broadcasting live throughout the event.

Representatives from Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers were also on hand to provide tours of the Hospital’s new cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and cardiovascular and orthopedics and sports medicine spaces, which are located within the YMCA.

Open House attendees also had the chance to participate in special raffles and giveaways, and pick up a commemorative grand opening t-shirt.

If you are interested in joining the Morris Hospital YMCA, now is the perfect time as our January Membership Sale is underway! You can join online today or by visiting the Y at 2200 W. Dupont Avenue in Morris.

SHARE THIS:

Morris Hospital YMCA Set to Host Community Open House on January 11

January 2, 2025

The Morris Hospital YMCA will host a Community Open House at its new Dupont Avenue location from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, January 11. Open to the community, this fun-filled event will provide YMCA members and area residents with the opportunity to explore the new Morris Hospital YMCA, meet the staff team, and learn more about all of the exciting programs and services the Y has to offer the community.

Invite your family and friends and make your plans to join us for this exciting celebration, which will include:

Facility Tours
Take a tour of our state-of-the-art facility, which features an eight-lane lap pool, a wellness center, group exercise studio, cycling studio, healthy eating kitchen, multi-purpose rooms, gathering and meeting spaces, engaging youth play spaces, a gymnasium, basketball courts, pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor walking tracks, outdoor fields, and a playground.

Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers Suite
Tour Morris Hospital’s new cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and cardiovascular and orthopedics and sports medicine facility, located within the YMCA.

Program Demonstrations
Learn more about our health and wellness, aquatics, youth development, and youth sports programs.

Meet our Team
Meet the Morris Hospital YMCA team, who will be on hand to answer your questions and help you get started on your YMCA journey.

Family Fun
Join us for activities throughout the facility:

Activity Center
-Friendship Bracelets (Available while supplies last)

Kids Corner
-Sing-a-longs, Arts and Crafts (Available while supplies last)

Community Room A
-Hot Chocolate Bar and Packaged Snacks (Available while supplies last)

Community Room B
-Face Painting and YMCA coloring activities (Available while supplies last)

Youth Program Room
-Free play STEM activities

Gymnasium
-Bounce House (1-4 p.m.)
-Basketball Skills (1-1:20 p.m.)
-Floor Hockey/Pillow Hockey (1:30-1:50 p.m.)
-Pickleball (2-2:20 p.m.)
-Soccer/Biddy Soccer (2:30-2:50 p.m.)
-Kickball (3-3:20 p.m.)
-Dodgeball (3:30-3:50 p.m.)

Group Exercise Room (Ages 13 and up)
-Pilates with Linette (1-1:20 p.m.)
-Hop-Hip Fit with Stacey (1:30-1:50 p.m.)
-Pound with Crystal (2-2:20 p.m.)
-Kickboxing with Shannon (2:30-2:50 p.m.)
-Hatha Flow Yoga with Sue (3-3:20 p.m.)

Special Offers and Giveaways
Take advantage of special membership opportunities, raffles, and giveaways. Plus, the first 1,000 adults who attend the Community Open House will receive a free commemorative t-shirt, while supplies last.

Make your plans to join us!

SHARE THIS: