Simi YMCA promotes health week

The Simi Valley Family YMCA will participate in America On the Move Week from Sept. 23 through 30 as part of YMCA Activate America, a national initiative to increase and enhance services and support to children, adults and families who want to lead a healthy lifestyle but struggle to do so.

During the week, Simi Y will sponsor a Women's Health Forum, health screenings and a bloodmobile.

The city of Simi Valley issued a proclamation declaring the week as America On the Move Week in Simi Valley.

"The goal for each Y is for members to take a combined 100,000 extra steps that week," said Mark Elswick, Simi Valley Y executive director.

The Simi Valley Family YMCA provides weight loss and wellness programs such as Fit Kids, Children First and an adult 12-week fitness program.

Obesity is associated with a series of chronic health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, colon cancer, gallbladder disease, arthritis, sleep disturbances and breathing problems.

For more information on programs, call Jim Carper, Simi Valley Y director of healthy lifestyles, at (805) 583-5338, ext. 227, or visit www.ymca.net.