Kenosha YMCA |
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Overview
About two years ago NAMI bought a group membership at the YMCA in Kenosha for adults in our community living with mental illness. The program was started to give people a positive social environment and an up to date facility to work out and at no cost. Feedback has been very positive from the folks that have taken advantage of the program who also do not feel stigmatized. Contact Brad Cramlet at 262-914-0522 for more information and if you would like to participate in the program.
Spring 2016 Update
Hello Everyone, I wanted to start this article with a huge thank you to Cheryl Hervat and the Kenosha YMCA for all their support for the NAMI/YMCA membership program! You may not know that Kenosha NAMI started a program with the support of the YMCA to provide a group membership for adults living with mental illness in our community.
This membership has grown to more than 200 names and 40-50 visits per month. NAMI Kenosha pays a membership fee of more than $1800.00 a year to provide this opportunity. What is no surprise to me is that in over two years and 1300 visits there has never been an issue with anyone who has participated. I encourage you to use this great resource.
Today’s new generation psychotropic medications have been designed to minimize extra pyramidal (involuntary movements) and more overt side effects, but the newer medications have other side effects that can be less recognizable like weight gain and other metabolic, disorders that is less harsh initially; but over time can create health problems like diabetes, hypercholesteremia, heart disease, obesity- all of which can have significant impact on your overall health and longevity! One thing that many people with mental illness including me, can easily put off or forget is self-care. Getting enough sleep, the best nutrition you can afford, exercise, and a positive social environment can go a long way to help reduce and in many cases significantly reduce or eliminate these metabolic side effects.
Many people with mental illness including me at times feel like we have little or no control over what happens to us. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The journey starts with a single step. Taking action creates confidence and reduces feelings of helplessness. Take action and responsibility for yourself and your health, start today! If you are interested in the NAMI/YMCA membership program contact me at: Brad Cramlet, bcramlet@wi.rr.com, 262-914-0522.
About two years ago NAMI bought a group membership at the YMCA in Kenosha for adults in our community living with mental illness. The program was started to give people a positive social environment and an up to date facility to work out and at no cost. Feedback has been very positive from the folks that have taken advantage of the program who also do not feel stigmatized. Contact Brad Cramlet at 262-914-0522 for more information and if you would like to participate in the program.
Spring 2016 Update
Hello Everyone, I wanted to start this article with a huge thank you to Cheryl Hervat and the Kenosha YMCA for all their support for the NAMI/YMCA membership program! You may not know that Kenosha NAMI started a program with the support of the YMCA to provide a group membership for adults living with mental illness in our community.
This membership has grown to more than 200 names and 40-50 visits per month. NAMI Kenosha pays a membership fee of more than $1800.00 a year to provide this opportunity. What is no surprise to me is that in over two years and 1300 visits there has never been an issue with anyone who has participated. I encourage you to use this great resource.
Today’s new generation psychotropic medications have been designed to minimize extra pyramidal (involuntary movements) and more overt side effects, but the newer medications have other side effects that can be less recognizable like weight gain and other metabolic, disorders that is less harsh initially; but over time can create health problems like diabetes, hypercholesteremia, heart disease, obesity- all of which can have significant impact on your overall health and longevity! One thing that many people with mental illness including me, can easily put off or forget is self-care. Getting enough sleep, the best nutrition you can afford, exercise, and a positive social environment can go a long way to help reduce and in many cases significantly reduce or eliminate these metabolic side effects.
Many people with mental illness including me at times feel like we have little or no control over what happens to us. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The journey starts with a single step. Taking action creates confidence and reduces feelings of helplessness. Take action and responsibility for yourself and your health, start today! If you are interested in the NAMI/YMCA membership program contact me at: Brad Cramlet, bcramlet@wi.rr.com, 262-914-0522.
