YMCA Expands Free Community Health & Wellness Pathway Programs in the Lehigh Valley

Following the success of the free 12-week Veterans Wellness Pathway program for military Veterans at the Allentown branch, the Y is introducing the THRIVE Cancer Wellness Pathway program for adults surviving cancer and the Healthy Lifestyles Pathway program, a chronic disease prevention program, both in Allentown. The Y is also expanding the Veterans Wellness program to the Nazareth branch. YMCA Pathway programs are free to participants and open to the entire community. One need not be a member of the Y to enroll. The Y is taking enrollments through Sept. 15, and classes begin Sept. 22. More information about enrolling can be found at www.ymcarivercrossing.org/pathways.

The Veterans Wellness Pathway program includes weekly in-person personal training, along with virtual meetings to provide support, nutrition and mindfulness coaching. Participants are active, retired or honorably discharged members of the US Military, or a spouse/partner, and receive a family membership to the Y for the duration of the program. Upon completion, graduates receive an additional six-month adult membership.

Healthy Lifestyles is a 12-week program designed to help prevent chronic diseases including obesity, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The program empowers participants to improve their physical health and overall well-being by adopting behavioral change strategies, regular physical activity, and social support. Participants receive a family membership to the Y
for the duration of their participation in the 12-week program, beginning Sept. 22 at the Allentown branch.

Also running in Allentown, THRIVE Cancer Wellness is the free 12-week Pathway program to support cancer survivors with an evidence-based cancer health and wellness program. Participants focus on recovering and maintaining strength, endurance and an overall sense of well-being. The program is open to individuals who are currently in cancer treatment or recovery, and includes a 12 week family
membership to the Y for the duration of the program.

THRIVE, the Healthy Lifestyles Pathway program and the military Veterans Wellness Pathway program begin Sept. 22, but registration closes on Sept. 15. All YMCA Pathway wellness programs are open and free to the community. Participants need not be members of the Y to enroll, and are invited to inquire on the Y’s Community Impact & Pathway Programs webpage.

River Crossing YMCA (formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 142,000 members and participants at its 12 member branches, 13 early childhood centers, 20 summer camp locations and 44 school age child care programs. River Crossing YMCA provides over $12 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more visit ymcarivercrossing.org.