The Project
Benefits
With a facility that features a year-round aquatics complex, the San Ramon Valley YMCA can replicate the model of success that is demonstrated by the YMCA's Pleasant Hill branch. That branch has an outdoor year-round pool and it is heavily used for water exercise classes, water therapy, swim lessons, and lifeguard training. In the arthritis aquatics class, Arthritis Foundation-certified YMCA staff guide participants in range-of-motion activities and muscle stretching exercise to relax aching joints. In addition, the class also provides a great opportunity to meet others with similar physical concerns. Individuals with post- stroke and other non-arthritic conditions also benefit from this class. These classes are very popular and are regularly over-subscribed.
As the national statistics reflect the health issues in the San Ramon Valley, at least 25% of the population has some major health condition that could be ameliorated with the regular use of a therapeutic pool. According to a report by the Medical Fitness Association, there are three major drivers for increased demand for health services in the United States. The Arthritis Foundation reports that arthritis is the most common cause of disability. In 2002, 66 million people reported arthritic or chronic joint symptoms. Physician-diagnosed arthritis affects nearly one in four Americans. Another serious health issue is cardiovascular disease and stroke. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 70 million Americans live with a cardiovascular disease. The third serious national health issue is the problems attendant with obesity. Nationally, the YMCA is partnering with the CDC to address this serious problem. The majority of the US population does not meet recommended levels of physical activity. According to the CDC, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity are associated with 27% of national healthcare costs.
All three of these major health issues can be addressed by exercise in a warm water therapeutic pool or in the lap pool. Water exercise, Arthritis Foundation-certified instruction, sports injury rehabilitation, and therapy for stroke and MS patients are only a few of the programs that will be of tremendous benefit to the residents of the San Ramon Valley.
In addition to those with health problems, the pools will be of immense benefit to seniors to help them maintain their good health. A recent survey of seniors (age 55 and up) in Danville indicated that over 50% thought that swimming pool activities would be of interest to them. Danville currently has 10,000 seniors and that number is growing rapidly, as the baby boomers reach retirement age. Alamo and San Ramon also have comparable numbers of seniors.
The strength of the YMCA is that anyone can join the Y; it is the stated policy of the San Ramon Valley YMCA that not to turn anyone away because of an inability to pay. There are many seniors who live on fixed incomes and have high health care costs. Programs at the Y will provide inexpensive and safe health wellness programs that will help seniors to maintain better health for a longer period of time and save them from invasive and debilitating medical interventions.
