HEALTHY LIVING:

Cleveland woman with diabetes says the YMCA saved her life

Ask Sidney Battle how has the Y has changed her life and she’s quick to answer.

"The Y actually saved my life,” she says.

Battle, a Cleveland resident, is diabetic and also suffers from asthma. Since joining the Y in 2004, she's dropped from 300 pounds her current weight of 264, and continues to lose.

She is managing her diabetes with the help of the Y, and her doctor, who she sees every four to six months, is "extremely pleased" with her overall progress.

The physical exercise has also helped Battle deal with leg injuries. “I have nerve damage in both my legs. Getting in the water is good for me," she says.

Battle reached a low point in her life when she lost her job after becoming seriously ill. At one point, she ended up in a nursing home for therapy and rehabilitation. That was a particularly trying time for Battle and her husband, Jeffrey, a lab technician at Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus.

Because of the job loss, she couldn't afford membership at the Southeast Y. Consistent with the Y's policy of not turning anyone away, Battle spoke with Josie Klimas at the branch and applied for a scholarship to help subsidize the cost of her membership. She received the funding she needed.

On a recent Friday, she was asked to teach a water aerobics class at the branch. She loves volunteering. “I feel great. I enjoy going to the Y. I hope that my story will touch other people, and in some way help them.”

Mother of Chanita, 27, Sidney Grace and Brittany, both 23, and grandmother of Chianne, 5, Ari, 2, and DeWayne Scott, 1, Battle hopes to be able to return to work soon.

Diabetes Help
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland and the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland offer free, 10-week Diabetes Education, Support and Self Management classes on a regular basis.

Classes are led by a combination of YMCA staff, registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, nurses, and health educators. Participants need to have a doctor referral and be pre-diabetic, diabetic or at high risk.

Through the program, participants learn how to properly use a blood glucose meter, learn about the effects diabetes has on the body, and realize the benefits of physical activity.

They have access to Y facilities and exercise classes, and after completing 90% of the classes, receive a free six-month membership to the YMCA.

The also learn general exercise principles, proper nutrition, how to make healthy eating choices, explore the importance of reading food labels, and learn about making long-term healthy lifestyle choices.