Adair Residents need to go to the Y! They need to take advantage of this great opportunity!

Another element of a good quality of life is good physical and mental health. According to MICA and the Prioritization of Selected Risk Factors in Adair County, the number one risk factor for adults is “Obesity.” The number two risk factor in adults is “No Exercise.”, and the number three risk factor is “Mother Overweight”. According to OSEDA’s “Summary of Social and Economic Indicators for Adair County,” over 24.9% of Adair County residents reported their health was “fair or poor” compared to 16.9% statewide reports. OSEDA’s studied also showed that high blood pressure and cholesterol were also prevalent among Adair County residents, which can be a possible result of inactivity. Lack of physical activity is a risk factor that can be minimized and eliminated in a number of simple ways.  

Since adults can sometime have difficulty making time for themselves and their well being, they need to find ways to combine the different elements of good health and well being. Socialization and physical fitness are both aspects of life that the Adair County YMCA attempts to enhance in the Adair County community. As stated above, they try to achieve this by offering activities and programs to all ages of the community. The great thing about the adult programs offered is that, like the Adair County YMCA itself, it’s tailored to the community’s desires. All adult programs are either the same price, member or non-member, $2 more for non-members, or FREE! With these options, community members don’t have to commit to a membership at the YMCA, and they can still participate in activities that keeps them fit, active, and social.  Also, while the activities do consist of sports such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball, there are less intense programs such as yoga in the mornings (once the kids are dropped off at school) for those who just want to enhance their piece of mind. There are also programs that are simply opportunities to adults in the community to socialize and get to know each other better, such as coffee talks and dinners. A new round of programs start every fall, winter, and spring, which gives adults a chance to participate in such activities almost year round. 

The adult citizens in Adair County need to embrace their health and enhance their lives. The YMCA provides excellent programs to allow its community members to do just that. Many of the children, young adult, and senior citizen programs are being taken advantage of, but the adult programs are lacking in participation. Adults need to realize what a great opportunity they have sitting right in front of them and take it! They need to drive, walk, bike, or call the Adair County Family YMCA and, not necessarily buy a membership, but join one of the programs, get active, get involved, and get healthy!