Cranberry YMCA promotes healthy hearts at 2nd annual Health Fair
CRANBERRY TWP — Staff at the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA put heart health front and center for their second annual Health Fair on Friday, Feb. 14.
The free event gave the public and more than 12,000 members of the Cranberry Township YMCA the opportunity to take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle with blood pressure screenings, heart-healthy foods and expert advice.
“Since the YMCA is a community center, this is really about connecting people to all of those resources,” said Molly Patton, a membership account manager who helped set up the fair. “We have a lot of classes and things that can help people in these areas, but expanding those resources to get them their full scope of health is good too.”
Members of the YMCA Aquatics Team led a CPR information session in recognition of American Heart Month, which is observed every February.
Additionally, the staff welcomed several businesses and nonprofits that are devoted to promoting overall wellness in the community.
Representatives from Breathe Pennsylvania, a nonprofit based out of Cranberry Township, promoted respiratory health and educating the public about what it takes to maintain healthy lungs.
“Vaping and smoking cessation are two big things that we’re focused on right now,” said Kristy Steele, Breathe Pennsylvania’s lung health program manager. “Smoking goes against the lungs, which also works against the heart, so it’s all connected in that sense. That’s really why we’re here, just trying to let people know that different kinds of help are out there.”
Meanwhile, the owners of Stretch Zone, which is one of the township’s newest businesses, provided the public with a chance to try their services and talk to people about the importance of regular stretching.
“Stretching helps get the blood flowing and gets muscles expanded, and that’s key,” said Stretch Zone owner Dwayne Phaure. “Any time you hold stress, whether it’s working out, walking or swimming at the YMCA here, this is just an additional way to make sure your body is not crunched up or putting that added pressure on your heart.”
Jennifer Lesheim, a longtime member at the YMCA and the owner of Serving Our Seniors, said she was grateful that the health fair gave her and others a chance to promote life-changing habits for people of all ages.
“Events like these make a difference,” said Lesheim. “It can have such an impact on your quality of life. It’s so important to be mindful of your heart health and stay active and stay fit.”
