My name is Zipporah Green, and in 2016 I was suffering from frequent panic attacks. These panic attacks caused me to have severe high blood pressure and depression, and at one point I even had to be hospitalized. Due to the amount of stress, I lost 30 pounds in 30 days.
I wanted to turn a negative into a positive, so I started researching healthy alternatives to maintain my weight loss and counteract my panic attacks and depression. Fortunately, a friend introduced me to the YMCA.
The YMCA was the perfect venue for me to use. I benefited from the Y’s financial assistance program and received assistance towards a family membership for my four sons and me. They love the Y! They’ve taken swim lessons and play basketball, soccer, and football. My oldest son is autistic, and he can be himself at the Y. Everyone is nice and they look out for him. I love the group exercise classes, the pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, and both the indoor and outdoor tracks. I also love that we can visit YMCA’s across the U.S., and I appreciate the free child watch program that allows me to have some ‘me time’. The Y’s friendly environment and clean facilities are also a plus.
Since joining the Y I have managed to reduce my anxiety, and depression. I am very proud to be a Y member, and I wanted to help others so I created a group that uses jogging and exercise to reduce stress. I have encouraged others to join, and now I am blessed to be a Y employee. I encourage everyone to check out the Y to see how it can benefit them just as it has helped me and my boys.
Extended Content: Watch Zipporah talk about her experience at YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s Annual Campaign kickoff dinner.