Dear Friends,

I am very proud to share the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association for helping employees eat better and move more. Platinum is the highest level of recognition.

Physical activity and employee wellness are important priorities here at the Tampa Y. We are honored and excited to be recognized as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite and we’re committed to providing the best workplace environment possible. This will benefit our employees’ health and produce even more positive results for our work environment overall.

The Tampa Y is among only 109 Tampa Bay worksites recognized for championing the health and wellness of our staff. We’re being honored for:
• Offering staff physical activity
options in the workplace.
• Increasing healthy eating options at the workplace.
• Promoting a wellness culture in the workplace.
• Demonstrating measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.

It’s a privilege to be part of a program serving as a catalyst for positive change in the American workforce by helping worksites make their employees’ health and well-being a priority.

Speaking of preventative health, next Tuesday is Diabetes Alert Day. In this newsletter, you'll meet Linda and learn how the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program helped her stay clear of type 2 diabetes. All she had to do is stop by her nearest Y and ask for more information. It's one simple step that may have saved her life. If you believe you are at risk for developing diabetes, there is something you can do about it. People with prediabetes who make basic lifestyle changes - modest weight loss, eating healthy and regular physical activity - have been shown to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 58%. If you need help getting started, the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program is for you. For more information, contact Bridget Piephoff at 813-922-2808 or Bridget.Piephoff@tampaymca.org.

See you at the Y,

Tom Looby
CEO & President
813.224.9622

Be Someone’s Superhero

Paul Johnson (L) and his daughter, Rosa Griffin, were showcased at the Regions Community Impact Dinner honoring Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn (R).

When you support the Tampa YMCA -- whether you are giving your time, talents or treasures -- you become someone’s superhero. About 480 guests came together to honor the Y’s superheroes last month at the Regions Community Impact Dinner. The annual event brings awareness to the Tampa Y’s efforts to help kids and families, promote the health and well-being of the Tampa community, and help and give back to our neighbors in need.

> Dena Shimberg - Order of the Red Triangle Video
> Rosa Testimonial Video
> Jordan Testimonial Video
> View Event Photos

A Lesson in Giving Back

Y dance students each took turns cutting Dance Teacher Celeste Diaz’ hair to donate to cancer survivors.

Celeste Diaz teaches more than just dance for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. She teaches her students how to give back. Every year for the past 12 years, Celeste has shown her 250+ students and their families the importance of helping our neighbors in need.

Avoiding a Dangerous Path

Linda Miller says the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program at the East Pasco Y dramatically changed her life.

Getting healthier has always been a goal for Linda Miller, but she never really had the motivation until her doctor delivered some unsettling news. “He told me I was a candidate for knee replacement surgery but informed me I faced something much worse,” recalls Linda. “Unless I lost weight and got healthier, he felt certain it was just a matter of time until I became diabetic. I was shocked.” To avoid going down that dangerous path, Linda signed up for the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program at the East Pasco Family YMCA.