N E W S R E L E A S E
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2016
Saratoga Hospital, YMCA Partner to Support Bariatric Patients
On Their Weight-Loss Journey
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, June 20, 2016 – Saratoga Hospital and Saratoga Regional YMCA have partnered to provide exercise and fitness support to bariatric patients throughout their weight-loss journey.
The partnership benefits all patients of the hospital’s Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight-Loss Program, who receive a physical activity assessment and customized exercise plan from a YMCA wellness coach. The service is free for those who are already members of the Y. Non-members pay a nominal fee of $10.
To encourage patients to adhere and continue with the exercise plan, the Y is offering two membership discounts: first month free and waiver of the $50 enrollment fee. Patients also can apply for the Y’s scholarship program.
“For some of our patients, starting an exercise program can be intimidating. Exercise and fitness are critical for long-term weight-loss success, but for many patients, exercise can be yet another obstacle,” said Dr. Dmitri Baranov, medical director, Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss Program. “We were looking for a partner with the expertise and understanding to help our patients overcome this obstacle—and we found that partner in the Saratoga Regional YMCA. This program will introduce patients to exercise without fear or intimidation,” added Baranov.
“The Saratoga Regional YMCA is excited to collaborate once again with Saratoga Hospital, providing bariatric patients with support during their pre-surgical assessments and assisting them through their health and wellness journey,” said Sean Andrews, YMCA CEO.
The hospital and YMCA have long partnered on community education, screening and wellness programs.
Under this latest partnership, which was launched June 1, bariatric patients undergo a one-hour fitness evaluation by a YMCA wellness coach as part of the pre-surgery consultation. Wellness coaches assess patients on key measures, such as core and upper body strength and cardiovascular fitness. Coaches discuss best practices and develop a personalized fitness plan to help each patient start slowly and gradually progress toward their fitness goals.
The exercise and fitness assessment is the latest component of a comprehensive bariatric and weight-loss program. Every aspect of the program is designed to help ensure that patients reap the health benefits of sustained weight loss.
“Bariatric surgery is only one piece of the weight-loss journey,” Dr.Baranov said. “We are committed to providing our patients with the necessary tools for their lifelong health and wellness. Now, these tools include exercise and fitness support from Saratoga Regional YMCA.”
Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight-Loss Program is accredited as a comprehensive bariatric facility by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (Joint program by the American College of Surgeons and American Society for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery). This “comprehensive” designation—the highest available from MBSAQIP—signifies that Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight-Loss Program meets rigorous standards for bariatric care.
Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight -Loss Program treats hundreds of patients with obesity and related complications annually, drawing populations from the Capital District, Upstate New York, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts.
Saratoga Bariatric Surgery and Weight-Loss Program has also been named a Blue Distinction© Center for Bariatric Surgery by BlueShield of Northeastern New York and has earned an Aetna Institutes of Quality Award. For more information, go to www.saratogabariatriccenter.com.
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About Saratoga Hospital: Saratoga Hospital is the Saratoga region’s leading healthcare provider. The only acute-care facility in Saratoga County, the hospital has a medical staff of over 450 physicians and other credentialed providers, offering care in a broad range of medical specialties. In keeping with its emphasis on quality, Saratoga Hospital was the first in the Capital Region to earn Magnet Designation for nursing excellence. Hospital facilities include: Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Hospital Nursing Home, Wilton Medical Arts, Saratoga Surgery Center, Milton Health Center, Saratoga Community Health Center and the Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center. The hospital’s multispecialty physician practice, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, includes providers in the following specialties: bariatrics, cardiology, dentistry, endocrinology, family medicine, hematology/oncology, internal medicine, nephrology, neurology, occupational medicine, oncology, pain management, physiatry, podiatry, primary care, psychiatry, pulmonary medicine, surgery and urology. For more information, go to www.saratogahospital.org.
About Saratoga Regional YMCA: The Saratoga Regional YMCA is a charitable association that is dedicated to building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With a rich history in Saratoga Springs that spans 150 years, the SRYMCA is rooted deeply in the local community. For more information about the SRYMCA, please visit www.srymca.org.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Peter Hopper
Director of Marketing and Communications
Saratoga Hospital
518-583-8679
phopper@saratogahospital.org
Katie Menz
Marketing Director
Saratoga Regional YMCA
518-583-9622
Katie.menz@srymca.org