wellness for women and girls

encore plus

The ENCOREplus program provides outreach and educational information to women regarding breast and cervical health. The program also provides referrals to free screening services to women who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the cost of these services.

The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women age 40 and over. Pap tests are recommended annually for women age 18 and up. If your breast or cervical cancer screening is abnormal or suspicious, we will notify you and your physician and make arrangements for further evaluation. If you do not have a physician, we can assist you in finding one. Occasionally, repeat screenings may be necessary in six months.

Other diagnostic testing may be necessary to determine the significance of some findings. The cost of the breast and cervical screenings and most diagnostic tests are fully covered by the program. Referrals will be made for any services that are not covered by the program.

ENCOREplus is funded in part by: Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts, Central Massachusetts Area Health Education Center, Coastline Elderly Services, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Tufts Healthplan Foundation, and the United Way of Greater New Bedford.




waterpals

The YWCA ENCOREplus program Waterpals is specifically designed for women recovering from breast cancer surgery.

ENCOREplus is the National YWCA education, support and exercise program that combines floor and water exercises to help women develop and maintain their physical strength, health and psychological well being.

Breast cancer surgery can often cause a woman discomfort, limit her energy and strength, and restrict her mobility. It may leave her feeling alone with many questions unanswered.

This program combines floor and water exercises to assist women in regaining vitality and function after their surgery. By participating with others recovering from breast cancer surgery, women may learn through information exchange, mutual experience and support.

Any woman who has ever had breast surgery is invited to participate in this program. Women who have recently had surgery may start the program about four weeks after their surgery, once the incision is healed.

Specially qualified YWCA ENCOREplus program trainers combine low-impact, safe and easy floor and water exercises to help participants through their recovery process. The benefits of participation include:
• Reduced discomfort through water exercise
• Reduced Lymphedema
• Increased mobility and improved function
• Increased muscle strength
• Increased endurance and reduced fatigue
• Decreased scar formation and adhesions
• A supportive environment for women to share experiences and exchange information

Classes meet at various times of the week. Sessions are offered in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Please call for dates and times.

A new initiative of the program this year will assist low-income breast cancer survivors with attaining financial self-sufficiency by providing them with access to services such as fuel assistance, food stamps, cash assistance, low-income housing, life skills training and job readiness skills.



heart plus

The HEARTplus Program provides outreach and education on cardiovascular disease. The HEARTplus Program is designed to:
• Build awareness that women are at risk for heart disease
• Give a sense of hope that women can reduce their risk and empower them to do so.
• Provide referral services to women for heart disease screening services.

Heart Disease Facts:
• Heart disease is the #1 killer of women.
• 1 of every 3 American women dies of heart disease.
• Only 9% of women ages 45 - 64 name heart disease as the condition they most fear, while 61% name breast cancer.
• Women fail to make a connection between risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and their own personal risk and vulnerability for heart disease.
• Heart disease can also lead to disability and a significantly decreased quality of life.


red dress fashion show and silent auction

This YWCA continues to be an active participant in The Heart Truth Red Dress Project, whose primary message is: “Heart disease does not care what you wear.”

The Red Dress Project includes a collection of red dresses from leading designers who have joined the women and heart disease movement to make women more aware of the dangers of heart disease.

The YWCA hosts its Annual Red Dress Fashion Show and Silent Auction in February. This classy benefit is the YWCA’s signature fundraiser and sells out every year.


health fairs and nutrition workshops

Outreach specialists are available to conduct nutrition workshops and info sessions at programs for women and girls.

For more information on any of our Wellness for Women and Girls Programs, please contact Ana Silva or Valentina Martinez, Outreach Specialists at the YWCA: 508-999-3255, toll free: 1-877-222-2388 or by email: asilva@ywcasema.org or vmartinez@ywcasema.org.