Tribute Cards-December
For Harold and Joan Schwartz
​-Lenore Schwartz
In memory of Sharon Mansfield Weinstein:
Our condolences.
​-Dennis & Janet Shane
Our deepest sympathy and love.
-Roslyn & Murray Brenner
Improve your physical and mental health in 2021 through fitness
Between the stresses of keeping up with 2020's news cycle and spending so much more time at home as the pandemic continues to disrupt daily routines, it's only natural that many of us have put on some extra weight over the last few months. Losing weight is already something that so many of us struggle with but, in 2021, it can be even more difficult—and more urgent—than ever before.
According to the CDC and recent scientific studies, overweight COVID-19 patients are twice as likely to be admitted to the hospital for care. Health professionals suggest that in addition to taking preventative measures like wearing a mask and social distancing, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself during the pandemic is to lose a few pounds if you are overweight. While losing weight won't stop you from being infected, it can help you avoid a more difficult, or even fatal, battle with the virus.
The good news is that it's not too late to make changes—like eating right and exercising—that can help you be your healthiest when it matters most and get you out of the "quarantine slump" you might be experiencing.
COVID-19 transmission in gyms in New York has been incredibly low, prompting the Governor to keep gyms open despite closing other indoor spaces. The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island's fitness center was given the green light to reopen in September and has quickly adjusted to operating in the "new normal" we are living in. In addition to the Fitness Center and Indoor Pool, the JCC is also offering outdoor and virtual classes for those at higher risk.
Membership has continued to grow despite the pandemic. Jill Gottlieb, Chief Program Director of Membership & Wellness Services at the JCC, believes people are joining because of all the benefits exercise can have, especially during these difficult times. Gottlieb explained, "Our members are thinking about their health and trying to position themselves to be in better shape to fight off COVID-19 in the future."
New gym-goers are also enjoying the mental health benefits of exercise. While exercise alone can't treat depression and anxiety, research has shown that it can reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals dealing with these issues. During the pandemic, this takes on new importance as health experts have expressed concern over a widespread mental health crisis that has emerged from the coronavirus pandemic.
Gottlieb believes mental health has been a big factor in JCC members' decision to visit the fitness center, "People have been cooped up at home for months. Going to the gym provides the routine and the change of scenery that they're craving." She added an important caveat—the need to follow safety protocols while getting out of the house. "Our members come to the gym to improve their health, not to put it at risk. Our number one priority will always be your well-being, which is why we're following all of the CDC guidelines on wearing masks, social distancing, limiting capacity, and increasing cleaning."
The JCC's Fitness Center is currently operating at 25% capacity and requires members to make reservations in advance on the JCC website, over the phone, or by email. Members must wear masks at all times. The gym schedules 15-minute cleaning breaks every hour to ensure that all equipment and high touch points are sanitized. Staff members have also cordoned off every other machine to promote adequate social distancing within the facility.
One JCC member remarked, "The staff is doing a great job keeping me safe. Plus, with all the distance between me and the other members, I feel like I'm at my own private gym!"
In these unpredictable times, many gym-goers find that they want flexible membership options. The JCC is making it easy for new members to take control of their health with their Wellness membership special. Wellness members can access the fitness center, indoor pool, and outdoor group exercise classes with monthly membership renewals and no enrollment fee. With no contract commitment required, new members can join the gym on their own schedule without worrying about what the future will bring.
For more information on JCC memberships, click here, call 718.475.5223, or email membership@sijcc.com.
From Our CEO: Chanukah Values
As the holidays and New Year approach, we reflect back on the unprecedented events of this year. There is no doubt that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be etched into our collective memories forever. Through it all, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC has been here for our community, through our in-person and virtual programs, as well as through our work helping those hit hardest by the pandemic.
While we know that this has been a hard year for everyone, for seniors who have been isolated for months, it has been even harder. We were proud to be able to bring back grab and go meals to help seniors access healthy food options in a safe way.
Thanks to the generous donations we received from our Virtual Food Drive, we will be able to provide these meals through the holiday season, and we hope to secure enough funding to continue them throughout the winter. Learn more about our Virtual Food Drive here.
We've also hosted virtual social events for Holocaust survivors through our Café Europa social club. In the fall, we held a Sukkot celebration where we celebrated the 100th birthday of one of our survivors, Margot Capell. Her family and friends from all over the country were able to join us virtually for this special evening.
To celebrate Chanukah, we're hosting another special event for our Holocaust Survivors this Monday at 6:30pm. The event will include a candle lighting ceremony, music, art, and more. All are invited to join us at this Zoom celebration.
This Chanukah, we compelled more than ever to do good for others as we face these tough times. This week, on our social media accounts, we will be highlighting eight values for each night of Chanukah. Though these values are based in Jewish tradition, they are universal to the human experience:
Tikkun Olam (Healing the World)
Tzedakah (Charity)
Seeing humanity and value in others
Thoughtfulness
This year, more than ever, we can see the importance of these values in everything we do, from wearing masks to protect those around us to checking in on those who are isolated. We at the JCC will continue to follow these values as part of our core mission, and I hope you will continue to include them in your own daily life.
While this season naturally leads us to care for others, I also want to remind everyone that, now more than ever, it's important to take a moment for self-care. Whether it takes the form of meditation, exercise, watching a movie, or even just taking a long breath at the end of the day, it's crucial to take some time for yourself this holiday season. For me, spending time with my husband and kids reenergizes and rejuvenates me on my days off. I hope you can experience the same joyful time with family, either in-person or virtually, this holiday season.
On behalf of the JCC family, I wish you a happy and safe holiday season.
​-Orit Lender