On Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 5:30 p.m., we are starting our new session of Exercise Is Medicine (EIM). Dr. Kim Smith and I are both certified in Exercise is Medicine through the American College of Sports medicine. In the past sessions, we have had great improvements with our participants. The most important part is that we are teaching people to understand that a healthy life is a journey, and that there is no end to this program.

In this program, we give you the tools to become a healthier you. The following were accomplished with our first group. The cardiovascular test (6-minute walk — and some only could do a few minutes including walker or cane, which was OK) saw a 23-percent improvement. Muscular fitness (sit to stand), we improved 12 percent. Flexibility (hamstring range of motion) saw a 14-percent improvement.

The following improved over the 12 weeks, too:

• Weight loss (not our goal for short term) — 2-percent improvement

• Hip flexor flexibility — 10 percent improvement

• Resting heart rate — 2.5-percent improvement

• Systolic blood pressure (top number) — 3-percent improvement

• Diastolic BP (bottom number) — 2-percent improvement

• Balance (combined right and left leg) — 7-percent improvement

• Waist-to-hip ratio — 5-percent improvement

Setting aside these great assessed improvements, seeing this group improve every week with mobility, spirit and attitude was so rewarding for Kim and I, and we are so thankful to be part of this amazing journey. Once again, we are so fortunate to have Dr. Kim Smith in Salisbury but especially at our J.F. Hurley YMCA. And again, I am looking forward to taking on this next group with her.

For the ones who have not heard about this ye, Exercise Is Medicine is a 12-week journey toward improved health and fitness. Patients must be referred by a medical professional (MD, DO, PA and NP). EIM is a comprehensive 12-week, medically based exercise program led by credentialed EIM staff (Dr. Kim Smith and yours truly will lead these sessions at the J.F. Hurley YMCA). This initiative is to learn how to reduce health risks and improve overall health through exercise and health education. Many people in the U.S., due to inactivity and poor diet, are experiencing or are at risk for chronic health conditions such as hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia and musculoskeletal weakness and pain (just to name a few).

This 12-week program will start this Tuesday, Sept. 3, and will be twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. this 12-week session. This program is discounted which is made possible through a grant from our local generous United Way. The cost is $75 for members and $125 for non-members (regular $199 and $249) and this includes a 12-week membership if you are active in the program, and as always, financial assistance is available. For more information, go to rocabymca.org/exercise-medicine

As mentioned above, classes will be held at our J.F. Hurley YMCA branch.

At this time spots are limited, so get your referral from your doctor soon. You can sign up and get referral as soon as possible, if you don’t have it yet.

For more information, email Dr. Kim Smith at eimhurley@rocabymca.org, or Ester Marsh at emarsh@rocabymca.org

Exercise truly is medicine!

Ester H. Marsh is associate executive director and director of healthy living at the J.F. Hurley YMCA and EIM-certified professional.