Your YMCA Stories

Here's a testimonial from the Emma B. Howe Family YMCA:

On January 18, 2007, I went into the hospital with extreme chest pain. I had an artery on the right side of my heart that was closed 99% and a blood clot in that artery. The doctor put a stint in my heart. I was out of the hospital in two days. I have 13 grandchildren. I wanted to be here awhile longer for them. So I cut the portions I eat to half of what I was eating. I cut out fried foods and most animal products. The doctors said I should exercise three times a week.

I joined the YMCA in Coon Rapids and I joined the Silver Sneakers group. I exercise five days a week, three hours daily. Besides the benefit of the exercise, I have met a lot of outgoing, friendly peole. So far I have lost twenty-five pounds. My blood pressure and sugar count are normal, this is without taking medications. I still ahve some weight to lose, but I have no doubt I will lose the weight.

The YMCA has social functions for seniors that has also fulfilled a need for myself and my husband. The YMCA has enriched our lives! Seven months after my surgery, I started working part-tiome for the YMCA in maintenance. Thank you YMCA!