Community Invited to Visit YMCA of Greater Brandywine Branches for Free from Feb 10 - 15

Gift of Heart Health Week Promotes Heart Health for All

(West Chester, PA) – February is American Heart Month, a time to promote heart-healthy activities, education and heart disease prevention. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is celebrating in a big way, inviting all members of the community to visit one of eight YGBW branches for free from February 10 – 15 as part of the organization’s Gift of Heart Health Week.

“Cardiovascular health is extremely important for all people,” shares Veronica Lopez, RN and VP of Health Strategies at YGBW. “As an organization committed to promoting healthy living for all people, we want members of the community to have access to heart-health education, heart disease prevention tools and more. That’s why we’re inviting folks to visit us during Gift of Heart Health Week.”

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is important to be aware of factors that contribute to heart disease, including family history, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Keeping your stress level in check is also key to maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

“Exercise and healthy eating are important factors in heart disease prevention - as are stress reduction techniques such as meditation, spending quality time with loved ones and having access to a supportive community,” says Lopez.

YGBW Membership and Heart Health
“Membership to YGBW provides many benefits that contribute to heart health,” says Kim Cavallero, SVP of Member Experience and Acquisition. “All members of YGBW are offered a free Wellness assessment when joining and are entitled to a free EVOLT 360 body composition scan, which provides more than 40 health-related metrics that you can share with your healthcare providers. We also feature state-of-the-art cardio equipment in our Wellness Centers, unlimited group exercise classes and a partnership with HUSK Nutrition to help encourage healthy habits.”

“But heart health goes beyond physical health. This is why we also provide tools and resources to help reduce stress levels, including a variety of classes in our Mind-Body Studios.”

In addition to numerous physical benefits, YGBW offers membership benefits that can help reduce stress through tuition discounts at select local universities and access to supportive programs such as ForeverWell for seniors, LIVESTRONG for cancer survivors, Parent’s Night Out and Sitter Service for parents and Open Doors for adults with disabilities.

YGBW also offers a robust financial assistance program to help relieve financial stress for members who are unable to afford membership and program rates. Last year, YGBW awarded $2.6MM in direct financial assistance to ensure that members of the community had access to childcare, summer camp, water safety lessons and programs that support a healthy lifestyle.

Start your Health Journey at YGBW
“If you’ve been thinking of starting or re-starting your own health journey, now is the perfect time to visit us. We can’t wait to see you during Gift of Heart Health Week,” Cavallero continues.

Adults over the age of 18 who wish to visit a YGBW branch between February 10 and 15 are required to bring a valid photo ID. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who has a valid photo ID.

About YGBW Membership: https://ymcagbw.org/membership/benefits

Heart Health Tips – A Health Seeker’s Journey: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/W_RrB03ddZQ