GREENVILLE, S.C. (May 1, 2023) – YMCA of Greenville today announced the launch of a new community-wide, multi-year public health initiative that was created in response to the rising risk rates of Greenville County residents developing chronic diseases, most of which can be mitigated with simple and small lifestyle changes. Moveville is a free, approachable program that is easy to participate in and is open to all Greenville County residents who want to start taking steps to improve their health.
The CDC states that “not getting enough physical activity can lead to chronic illnesses, even for those who have no other risk factors. It can also increase the likelihood of developing other heart disease risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.” According to the 2022 County Health Rankings and Roadmaps for South Carolina by University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, more than 60% of Greenville County residents are at risk for developing those chronic diseases due to inactivity, poor nutrition choices, and factors impacting mental health.
The Moveville website is a community resource where residents can sign up to receive free information to improve their health, participate in challenges, find free places they can exercise, and other resources to help them begin and/or continue their journey to a healthier lifestyle.
“We know that getting started and staying motivated can seem overwhelming at first, but even small changes to our daily habits can create a healthier life,” said Brad Hughes, board chair, YMCA of Greenville Metro Board of Directors. “The purpose of Moveville is to help people realize that they can make small, gradual changes that can make a huge impact on
stopping or reversing chronic diseases so that they have a better, healthier quality of life. These are factors, for the most part, that are in their control.”
“Research shows that 80% of these chronic diseases can be prevented or reversed with exercising 30 minutes a day, five days a week, eating better and managing stress, all of which is the foundation of what Moveville is about,” said Scot Baddley, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greenville. “As a leading health and human services organization, when we saw the risk levels rise, we knew we had to do something to help all Greenville County neighbors who want to take control of their health, not just our members.”
Besides the YMCA of Greenville, Moveville partners include Hughes Agency, Greenville Journal and WYFF4. In the coming months, Moveville will launch community-wide challenges that can be done on an individual basis or through businesses and other organizations who commit to creating opportunities for their employees to improve their health.
To join Moveville, visit Moveville.org.
###
About the YMCA of Greenville, SC
The YMCA of Greenville is a cause-driven non-profit organization. Our mission is, following the example of Christ, to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the health and well-being of our community and provides opportunities to give back and help support our neighbors. Founded in 1876, the Y serves more than 70,000 people annually through programs that include afterschool care, resident and day camps, aquatics, youth and adult sports, and health and wellness. Programs are offered though four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Y Camp Greenville, YMCA Judson Community Center, the YMCA Program Center and Hollingsworth Outdoor Center. The Y is also home to Y Teen Services and the SC Youth in Government programs.
For more information about the YMCA of Greenville, visit ymcagreenville.org, or call (864) 412-0288.
