The Cigna Foundation announced today that it is awarding a $150,000
World of Difference grant that will enable the Philadelphia Freedom
Valley and Greater Houston YMCAs to launch their Enhance®Fitness
Program within their communities. EnhanceFitness is an evidence-based
physical activity program proven to increase the physical, mental and
social functioning of older adults – particularly those with arthritis.
The Philadelphia and Houston Y Associations will be piloting the program
at several of their area YMCA facilities, with the goal of eventually
bringing it to other branches and even into the community at locations
other than YMCAs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 52 million
Americans have arthritis, including about half of all adults over age
65. Almost 23 million Americans report that arthritis limits their
physical activity. Research has shown that low-intensity physical
activity performed on a regular basis can reduce pain, improve
functioning, elevate mood and delay the onset of arthritis and other
chronic disease.
Participants in EnhanceFitness take part in a series of classes from
certified YMCA staff, including proven aerobic, strength training,
balance and flexibility exercises that are safe, effective and
modifiable for a variety of fitness levels. Fitness assessments will be
conducted on a regular basis to track participants’ progress. In
addition to physical benefits, the program will provide a fun, social
atmosphere that fosters relationships between program participants.
“The Cigna Foundation is dedicated to helping individuals live
healthier, more secure lives; and for our seniors that means a life free
of debilitating conditions such as arthritis,” said David Figliuzzi,
executive director of the Cigna Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with
the ‘Y’ to help seniors in Philadelphia and Houston become more active,
energized and empowered for independent living through the
EnhanceFitness program.”
The Cigna Foundation World of Difference grants provide support for
improving children’s wellness, senior care, women’s health and health
equity – the four social priorities for Cigna's corporate responsibility
platform known as Cigna
Connects.
EnhanceFitness is currently offered at 44 YMCAs across the country
through a licensing agreement with Senior Services, Inc., the
Seattle-based non-profit organization that developed the EnhanceFitness
program model. Through this World of Difference grant, the Cigna
Foundation, in partnership with the Y’s national resource office, YMCA
of the USA, will enable seniors served by the Philadelphia Freedom
Valley and Greater Houston Y Associations to enjoy this valuable
health-enhancing program.
For more information about EnhanceFitness, please contact Aimee Smith,
Director of Healthy Living, 215-963-3705 or asmith@philaymca.org
for Philadelphia details, or Andrew Lorino, Senior Director of
Membership Experience at 713-758-9141 or andrew.lorino@ymcahouston.org
for Houston details.
About the Cigna Foundation
The Cigna Foundation, founded in 1962, is a private foundation funded by
contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries.
The Cigna Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to
enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the well-being of
their communities, with a special focus on those communities where Cigna
employees live and work.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company
dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense
of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or
through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including
Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life
Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna
Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include
an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental,
behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other
related products including group life, accident and disability
insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and
jurisdictions, and has more than 85 million customer relationships
throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to
follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening
communities through youth development, healthy living and social
responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women
and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the
potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and
well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support
neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the
long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise,
but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. For more
information, please www.ymca.net.
About Senior Services, Inc.
Senior Services offers a comprehensive network of services promoting the
emotional, social, and physical well-being of more than 60,000 older
adults and their families throughout King County, WA and supports
nationally disseminated evidence-based fitness and wellness programs.
Since 1967, Senior Services has been a leader in connecting older adults
with high quality programs and senior centers that support them to live
active lives while enabling them to make their own choices to suit their
lifestyles and preferences. Senior Services has been a major player in
the aging field for more than 45 years. For more information, visit: www.seniorservices.org
Copyright Business Wire 2015