Hospital awards YMCA $1,000 grant for fitness program

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., June 7, 2017 On May 23, the Florida Hospital New Smyrna Foundation awarded the Southeast Volusia Family YMCA in Edgewater a $1,000 grant to support their Healthy Weight and Your Child wellness program that focuses on decreasing childhood obesity. Volusia County adults are at greater risk for obesity-related chronic disease. The rate for overweight or obese adults in Volusia County is 51 percent higher than the US obesity rate, and chronic disease is a leading cause of death locally, said Jarrett Cory, Southeast Volusia Family YMCA director. Assisting young children in their quest for a healthier life has positive implications today and prevents the most prevalent health disparities in the future. Designed for children ages seven to 13 with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to the 95th percentile, the YMCAs program is built on evidence-based research for significant reductions in BMI, waist circumference, and engagement in sedentary activities, all while improving physical activity and self-esteem. Over the course of four months, the Healthy Weight and Your Child program provides 25 sessions that feature both a classroom setting, as well as a focus on physical activity. On a national level, childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and we are proud to support this important endeavor. Within Florida, one in four children are overweight or obese. These children are at risk for developing serious health problems, such as diabetes, asthma, and even heart failure, said Jean Tauber, Florida Hospital New Smyrna foundation grants chairperson. The YMCAs program aims to help families tackle this problem in a healthy way, and hopefully, our children will grow to lead healthier lives. The Florida Hospital New Smyrna Foundation has undertaken an initiative to improve the health of the community through a community grants program. The hospitals foundation will provide community grants to organizations dedicated to improving the health of the community. Organizations interested in applying should contact the foundation office at Call386-424-5015. About Florida Hospital New Smyrna Florida Hospital New Smyrna is a member of AdventHealth, a faith-based health care organization with 45 hospital campuses and 8,200 licensed beds in nine states, serving more than 5 million patients annually. With a mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ, Florida Hospital New Smyrna has 112-beds and is one of the seven Florida Hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties that composes the Florida Hospital Central Florida Division - North Region. As the largest hospital system in the area, the Florida Hospital Central Florida Division - North Region has 1,226 beds and more than 7,800 employees.