YMCA health programs to begin soon

The Jefferson City Area YMCA will begin two programs aimed at improving the health of certain groups April 2.

A Pedaling for Parkinson's class will be held for 12 weeks at West Y, 3507 Amazonas Drive. Class are 1:15-2 p.m. There is room for 26 people in the class, and a physician clearance form is required for participation. For information, people are asked to call 573-761-3459.

Shelly Poire, director of development and marketing for the area YMCA, said staff have been trained to present the class.

"Research shows that cycling may provide some symptomatic relief," Poire said. "It seems to make regions of the brain connect with each other."

The program is useful for Parkinson's sufferers because of the balance challenges they might experience, according to a news release. Indoor group cycling led by a trained coach provides a monitored and safe exercise protocol for people with the neurological disorder.

Kids on the Move is a free eight-week program beginning at 5:30 p.m. April 2 at the Firley Y, 525 Ellis Blvd.

The program is designed to teach healthy habits to children ages 8-12 and their parents or guardians. The program is open to YMCA members and non-members. It follows a curriculum of physical activity, nutrition and other healthy lifestyle components, according to a news release.

"Kids on the Move is really designed to help educate children on living a healthy lifestyle. They do a lot of activities on nutrition and being more active - making positive lifetime changes," Poire said.

Participants are expected to learn the keys to start and maintain a healthy lifestyle; how to make healthier choices at home; how to incorporate positive nutrition habits and to avoid eating outside the home; how to develop a more active lifestyle; and how to use exercise in reaching weekly goals, create fun activities and build self-esteem, according to the release.

Children must complete a program application, Poire said.

For more information and to complete the application, contact Kelsey Riggs at 573-761-3225.