YMCA HERO: JONATHAN BUNZEY

Seventeen-year-old Jonathan Bunzey lost his ability to speak when he contracted encephalitis as a toddler. But that didn't silence his passion for making sure all kids are included in everyday activities.

April 28, he stepped up his enthusiasm on the dance floor by participating in “Dancing Like the Stars” at the Southern Women’s Show. The event was sponsored by the National Inclusion Project.

He knows first-hand that confidence, learning and leadership develop through inclusion opportunities.

Jonathan started as a camper at the A.E. Finley YMCA’s summer camp.  The National Inclusion Project provided an interpreter so he could be participate with other kids. Today, Jonathan works at Finley Y’s after school program and summer day camp.

In 2007, Jonathan won the Champion of Change award for his work for kids in the Raleigh area. To date, he has raised more than $20,000 for inclusion projects. And, he donates the majority of that money to the Finley Y's We Build People program and Camp G.R.A.C.E. for autistic children.

Jonathan is such a star that he was featured in The News & Observer on the day of the competition. While Jon didn’t win the overall competition, but he and the dancers raised more than $18,000 for the National Inclusion Project.

The National Inclusion Project was founded by American Idol star and former YMCA staff member Clay Aiken.

A.E. FINLEY YMCA SPOTLIGHT: GRANNY'S GOT GAME

Angela Alford is no slouch on the basketball court, but it seems that she may have met her match in the Senior Women’s Basketball team at the A.E. Finley YMCA. Alford, a standout basketball player for Vanderbilt and USA Basketball in the 90s, is now taking on a role off the court.

When Alford returned to school to earn a film degree, she chose the Senior Women’s team as the subject for a documentary. 

Alford started going to the “Fabulous 70s” practices, following them to their games and learning their stories.

“I thought I would find genetic wonders,” she recalls. “But what I found were people who were dealing with cancer and heart disease just like everyone else. The difference was that these women were fighting it together, encouraging each other. Basketball was keeping them active, independent and believing they could do anything they wanted to do.” 


Alford spent more than a year with the team filming the documentary. She even traveled with them to the 2011 National Senior Games in Houston. After getting funding, she hopes to make “Granny’s Got Game,” into a full-length movie.


She hopes the film will inspire others to honor and celebrate older athletes, change the perception of the capabilities of the elderly and contest negative stereotypes. In addition, she hopes it will help younger viewers appreciate today’s sports opportunities, highlight the support women get from being part of a team and inspire people of all ages to stay active. 

“I thought my glory days were over. Then I met this team. These women helped me remember how much I loved to play and how much I enjoyed being part of a team,” says Alford.

The Fabulous 70s recently participated in the Raleigh Wake Senior Games. To learn more, view the film’s trailer and find out how you can help Alford raise funds to complete the project, visit her website.

SWIMMING SAFETY

We can’t wait to dive into summer at the Y! There’s nothing like that cool dip in the pool. But we want it to be a safe, fun experience.

We hate to brag, but the YMCA has been stressing the importance of swim lessons and swim safety since 1909. More than 100 years later, swimming remains a core program here at the YMCA of the Triangle.

At the Y, we believe swimming is a critical life skill for everyone in the family. That’s why we offer a wide variety of swim classes and swim teams.

“YMCA swim lessons are successful because of the relationships developed with children and families in our communities,” explains A.E. Finley YMCA Aquatics Director Justin Guest. “Children, and adults, learn more when they have a relationship with their instructor. They also know that relationship is built on the Y’s core values: respect, responsibility, honesty, caring and faith in God.”  

Justin urges you and your child to remember these important safety tips before you dive into the water.

Never swim alone.

Children (and adults!) should only swim under the supervision of a lifeguard or an adult who is a confident, experienced swimmer. Even in a shallow pool or lake, swimming alone is dangerous.

Only dive or jump into the deep end.

Jumping or diving into shallow water can result in hitting the bottom of a pool. This can cause a number of injuries including neck and back injuries.  You should also be careful because you don’t want to land on another swimmer!

Swim near the shore.

It’s a good idea to make sure that you can always touch the bottom of the ocean while your head is above water. Because of strong currents and tides, going out too deep is dangerous. Young swimmers should never go into the ocean without an adult.

Don’t swim in a thunderstorm.

Water is dangerous when lightning is in the area. Pools are required to close during thunderstorms. If you’re at the beach or a lake, it’s up to you to get out of the water when a storm rolls in.

Wear sunscreen.

It’s easy to forget about sunburn when you’re splashing around in the water, but don’t forget to apply sunscreen regularly. And make sure to allow your sunscreen to sink in before jumping back in the water.

Practice!

The only way to become a confident, skilled swimmer is to practice, practice, practice. Don’t be afraid to use floatation devices – whether a life jacket in a lake or floaties in the pool – to help as you learn. If you’re looking for more organized swim instruction, talk to someone at your local YMCA branch about the best class for your child.

Now that you’re armed with these swimming safety tips, you and your kids are ready to dive in!

What water adventures are you and your family looking forward to this summer?

ALEXANDER FAMILY YMCA SPOTLIGHT: HEYWARD HAMMES

April is Autism Awareness Month. This is a wonderful piece written by Cherith Mangum, Director of Communications at the Alexander Family YMCA. Learn more about the impact that the YMCA has had on one very special little boy.

It’s truly heart-warming to see Karen and John Hammes spend time with their only child, 11-year old Heyward.

Laughter, hugs, high-fives, encouraging words. The small family shares a strong bond that you might experience in your own home—one filled with love, loyalty and just plain fun.

However, a small difference characterizes the Hammes’ relationship. Heyward is a young boy with autism.

A 9-YEAR SEARCH

“When he was diagnosed at age 2,” Karen recalled. “It was very hard to see him struggle with just the basic skills in life.”

For the last 9 years, Karen and John have worked to find an effective developmental program for Heyward. While Heyward has strong athletic skills, he possesses limited language capabilities.

“Public places and noises cause him to easily go    into sensory overload,” Karen said. “So he needs to have a very specific kind of environment to learn and grow.”

While they kept searching for an ideal location,  Karen and John assembled a team of professionals to help them teach and nurture Heyward. However, it wasn’t until the family found the Y last fall that Heyward’s progress skyrocketed.

FINALLY MOVING FORWARD

“The Y has finally given us a safe, consistent place to help Heyward grow,” Karen said. “And since we’ve been members, Heyward’s learning has gone from 0 to 60 in just a few months!”

Three times a day, like clockwork, Heyward and one of his mentors come trotting into the Y for an hour of fun activities.

You might find them walking the track, playing a game of basketball or exercising in front of the mirrors in the fitness studios.

According to Karen, consistent exercise helps Heyward develop his language skills. Throughout every activity Heyward does around the Y, his mentors are able to connect his physical actions with words. Playing sports? Heyward can identify each of the sports balls by name!

 “We never had one place that we could visit to do all of our activities,” Karen said. “But after the consistency of the Y, Heyward’s expressive language has grown by at least 150%!”

A PLACE TO BELONG

Familiarity. Consistency. The Y has provided Heyward and his family with a stable environment to learn, grow and succeed. But more importantly to Karen, the Y has become a place for Heyward to belong.

“We’ve been blown away by how warm and accepting people are at the Y,” Karen said. “We feel like the staff—and even other members—rally around Heyward to help him succeed.”

“The staff know Heyward’s name. They give him a high-five when he comes in.” Karen continued. “And they’ve been so patient and supportive of any needs we might have.”

A big smile. A friendly high-five. To Karen and her family, the YMCA serves as much more than a workout facility. For Heyward, the Y has become a community of support and a safe haven during a difficult time of growth.

“Every night in Heyward’s prayers, we thank God for the YMCA,” Karen smiled. “We feel like we belong here.”

RAINY DAY REMEDIES

Remember the old saying “April showers bring May flowers”? Before we can enjoy summer fun, we have a month of rainy days to endure.

Photo Source: http://www.procareblog.com/

Keeping your kids entertained inside is no easy task, but we’ve got a few ideas that might do the trick. So put away the iPads and turn off the Wii. It’s time for some old-fashioned fun!

Put on a Talent Show

It’s can be your own version of America’s Got Talent. Challenge your kids to find something that they love to do and show it off. Little kids can say their ABCs, and older kids can do a dance or sing a song. Encourage them to dress the part and have the other kids serve as “judges” – but positive feedback only!

Break out the Games

Nothing beats a good game of Candy Land or Go Fish. Your kids will enjoy the competition and this is a good way to work on skills such a patience and communication.

Get Creative

Paint, crayons, play-doh – Kids love it all. Give them a chance to be creative, and they’ll be busy for hours.

Play Dress Up

Playing dress up is always fun. This time, have them dress up in their real clothes – not costumes. When you find clothes that don’t fit, set them aside to be used as hand-me-downs or donated to folks who need them.

Cook Up a Storm

Get your kids in the kitchen. It’s a great chance to teach them how to eat healthy and stay busy. Here are some kid-friendly recipes to try. Who knows? You may even have a chef on your hands!

Get Out and Explore!

Marbles, Monkey Joe’s, Kidzu or the Museum of Life and Science? In our area, the possibilities are endless. There are plenty of great places in the Triangle to explore with your kids.

Hit Up the YMCA

A trip to the Y is sure to cure cabin fever. Play some hoops or a game of Marco Polo in the pool. This is a great way for your kids to get some exercise without having to brave the rain.

Hope you enjoy these 7 easy ways to beat the rain and enjoy those April days. What’s your favorite way to spend a rainy day?

ASTHMA: FACTS & MYTHS

Most of us can’t wait for spring.  We’re tired of scraping windshields and bundling up in coats and boots. The warmer weather, blooming flowers and chance to spend time outside are welcome changes.

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For some suffering with asthma, spring can cause breathing troubles and dangerous asthma attacks.

With more than 300 million people suffering from asthma worldwide, it’s important that we all know the facts.

Myth: Asthma is a psychosomatic disease.

Fact: Asthma is a genetic disease that results in the inflammation of bronchial tubes. While some people’s asthma may be triggered by stress, that is not the cause of the illness. Interaction with pollen, smoke, or perfumes is just as likely to trigger asthma.

Myth: If I don’t feel my symptoms, my asthma is gone.

Fact: Asthma is a chronic, long-term disease. It cannot be cured or outgrown. Even if your symptoms subside, you should continue to take your prescribed medication.

Myth: Asthma is not serious.

Fact: For most asthmatics, asthma is not serious. However, without proper treatment, asthma can be life threatening. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma accounts for one-quarter of emergency room visits each year and is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization for children.

Myth: Children with asthma should not exercise or play sports.

Fact: All kids need exercise! Certain athletic activities may be better for children with asthma, but with the proper medication and care, all asthmatics should be able to participate in sports and exercise.

When kids with asthma exercise or play sports, extra precautions should be taken. Make sure medication has been taken before starting the activity, and have a plan in place in case of an asthma attack.

Think you could have asthma? Take this test to see if you are at risk.

DIABETES: FACTS & MYTHS



Celebrity Chef Paula Deen

 This week, celebrity Chef Paula Deen revealed that she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2008. She's certainly not alone. According to the American Diabetes Association there are appoximately 25.8 million adults and children living with the disease.

The ADA recently surveyed the American public to find out how much people know about diabetes. The results show that there are still many misconceptions about the disease.

Myth: Diabetes is not a serious disease.

When asked to rank which disease (diabetes, breast cancer, AIDS) was responsible for the greatest number of U.S. deaths each year, not even half of respondents chose diabetes (42%).

Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS    combined. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

Myth: Eating too much sugar can lead to diabetes.

According to the survey, approximately one third of respondents knew this myth was false (32%).

Fact: No, it cannot. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.

Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories, whether from sugar or from fat, can contribute to weight gain. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes.

According the survey, approximately three in five respondents (59%) did not know that this is a false statement. In addition, more than half (53%) of respondents did not know that risk for developing type 2 diabetes increases with age.

Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role. Unfortunately, too many people disregard the other risk factors for diabetes and think that weight is the only risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Most overweight people never develop type 2 diabetes, and many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight.

Take this test to see your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.