Role of the YMCA, by Julie Turner

Julie Turner was introduced by Sandy Farrell.  Julie is the Executive Director of the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA, and a member of the San Pedro Rotary Club.  She has a husband and 2 children.

The YMCA is focused on strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  It has stopped offering childcare, because other organizations are now doing it.  Its focus now is more on family enrichment services.  Programs include camp, family-centered activities, health, well-being and fitness, social services, sports, recreation and swimming.

The San Pedro area has a higher level of lung disease due to air particulates related to harbor activities.  Asthma in school children increases absenteeism and affects grades and school success.  Obesity is increasing in children, who are developing Type II Diabetes.  These health problems are worse in Wilmington than San Pedro.

“Beyond Rehab” includes follow-up services after rehabilitation from chronic illnesses, to improve physical and social health.  A nurse comes in weekly for chronic lung disease.  Caregivers for the chronically ill also need help and stress relief.  People tend to live longer now, but the quality of life needs improvement.

There is evidence that the aging process can be slowed by decreasing sugar and consuming inflammation-lowering foods such as vegetables, fruit and fish, and having sensible (not excessive) sun exposure.  She mentioned resveratrol, an antioxidant in red wine (don't overdo it!),  and fish twice a week.  Cortisol, a stress hormone from the adrenal glands, in excess promotes belly fat and causes memory deterioration as well as aggravating chronic diseases.  She advises meditation for relaxing.  Exercise is an antidepressant and helps with cardiac and muscle toning.  She demonstrated postural principles including standing and sitting, with strengthening of abdominal, shoulder, gluteal and hip muscles, and practicing the sense of balance.

Julie discussed other programs including high school students going to Sacramento on Presidents’ Day Weekend and the Model UN in junior high.  She passed out information on a program, “The Balanced Woman”, at the Trump National Golf Club on Monday, September 10, at 12:30 PM, for $100 donation to “YMCA Kids to Camp”.  It will include a lunch nutritionist presentation on “Healing Your Hormones and Reversing the Aging Process”, followed by “Golf for Girls” or “Cooking Tips to Keep Your Hormones Happy”.  RSVP to Julie Turner at (310) 832-4211 or JulieTurner@ymcala.org.

The YMCA is always looking for volunteers and donations.  It is located at 301 South Bandini Street in San Pedro, http://sanpedro.ymcala.org.  You can donate online.