carl e. sanders family ymca at buckhead - YMCA of Metro Atlanta

LEARNING HEALTHY
HABITS TOGETHER
Lottie Scott
Lottie Scott was tired of struggling
with health problems, so she decided
to get involved with the Y. “I feel
great,” Lottie says. “My health is
improved after losing 40 pounds. My
doctor has reduced my daily
medications. I feel vibrant and
strong.”
Twice a week, Lottie comes to the Y
with a group of seniors from the
Agape Community Center. She
depends on her friends to keep her
motivated. “I have something to do,
and that makes me look forward to
getting up and coming to the Y,” she
says. Lottie spends her whole day at
the Y, arriving in the morning to
exercise, socializing throughout the
afternoon and volunteering with the
Y’s enrichment program after school.
Lottie began volunteering as part of
CATCH, a program that trains senior
volunteers to work with children and
teaches healthy eating habits. Kids
learn to avoid “whoa” foods like chips
and candy and eat more “go” foods
like fresh fruits and vegetables. “The
kids love it,” Lottie says. “They are
very interested and curious. I see
their habits changing by the foods
they choose to eat as a snack. They
even tell their family what to buy at
the grocery store.”
Working with the kids at the Y is
tremendously beneficial for Lottie’s
own health. Her eating habits have
changed, and she sees the same
personal benefits as the kids. “One
lesson we teach is to avoid the
processed foods in center aisles of
the grocery store, and focus on the
fresh produce, meats and dairy
instead,” she says. “When I go to the
store now, I shop on the perimeter. I
don’t need to go down the aisles.”
Lottie knows spending time with the
children makes them feel special.
Many don’t have people at home who
can take time to teach them the skills
they learn at the Y. “We can really
help them,” she says. “They need a
foundation at such a young age. This
is what should be going on. I’m
amazed with the program.”
“Teaching kids how to
choose healthier food
has changed the way I
eat too. They’re helping
us. We’re helping them.
It’s great!”
Lottie Scott