New YMCA Wellness Director reflects on career, eyes future

By Susan Olsen Orpilla Contributing Writer

WESTBOROUGH - In August, the Boroughs Family Branch YMCA proudly announced the appointment of their new Wellness Director, Bryan Dearnley.

It’s the dream job he’s been diligently working toward for the past several years, and perhaps his whole life.

“The YMCA has been a huge part of my family’s life for many years, and I’m grateful that I get to be a part of those experiences for others at the Boroughs Branch,” Dearnley said in a recent interview with the Community Advocate.

Teenage health scare prompts new focus on fitness, nutrition

Growing up in Charlton, Dearnley has many fond memories with his family at the TriCommunity Family Branch YMCA in Southbridge, where his life-long passion for health and fitness began.

He remembers enjoying summer camps, taking martial arts lessons and learning how to swim. His father first started teaching him the proper use of fitness equipment around age 12. They had a routine of working out together twice a week while his brother, Troy, trained and competed as a swimmer for the in-house Special Olympics team.

At 17, Dearnley was diagnosed as pre-diabetic, a catalyst that made him get more serious about his own health.

After three months of gym and nutrition dedication, he was no longer at risk.

Path to health, fitness career started in family business

Right after high school, Dearnley began working at S & D Spinning Mill in Millbury, a business started by his grandfather and currently run by his father.

“When I realized that taking over the family business wasn’t my passion, I began thinking about my passion for helping people through fitness,” Dearnley said.

Preparation for his new career started at the National Personal Training Institute, which Dearnley graduated from in 2014.

Then, Dearnley dove into the field by becoming a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, personal training director and general manager. He eventually managed multiple clubs.

However, in an industry that is constantly changing, Dearnley continued pursuing more health and wellness education.

In May, he achieved his certification as a wellness coach, gaining skills in understanding the psychology of how people view and handle their own health and wellness as well as behavior modification. He is currently enrolled in a nutrition learning program in hopes of passing the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching exam next year.

Plans to build on YMCA offerings take shape Dearnley is happy to join the team at the Boroughs Family Branch YMCA.

“Members are valued as people and not dollar signs here,” he said. “I work with great staff, and we are happy to come to work because we know we are helping people every day.”

Dearnley said he considers the Boroughs Branch one of the most beautiful and wellequipped facilities in all of New England, with its long list of amenities.

Working in this environment, Dearnley has many ideas to improve programs for the overall wellness of individuals.

“As a trainer, I’ve always known that there is much more to overall wellness than just the fitness side,” he said. “Sometimes personal training fails when the person as a whole isn’t considered or involved.” YMCA | 9

New YMCA Wellness reflects on career, eyes future

YMCA | from page 8

As the new Wellness Director, Dearnley is educating his staff to become more than typical gym trainers. He is working on getting systems in place for members to have access to nutritional guidance, health coaching and an overall wellness plan to reach their health goals.

He also intends to create fun wellness challenges, hold educational seminars, and take offsite trips such as trips to read nutrition labels at a grocery store.

The Boroughs Family Branch YMCA is located at 4 Valente Dr. in Westborough. Learn more by visiting https://www.ymcaofcm.org/ locations/boroughs-familybranch/

Aging Gracefully

by MariAnn Paladino, Dir. of Admissions, Notre Dame Long Term Care

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SEEING A GERIATRICIAN

Becoming attached to your doctor is common and understandable, especially if you’ve spent years building a trusting and friendly professional relationship. However, different stages of life require different medical knowledge, and switching to a geriatrician, a doctor specializing in treating and diagnosing conditions that affect older adults, can be extremely beneficial. Geriatricians are specially trained in diagnosing illnesses such as dementia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, depression, heart failure, and balance issues. They are also skilled at tracking prescription drug interaction and are well-versed in the process of integrating care with other doctors and specialists, as you will most likely need more of these as you age. In addition, geriatricians have the knowledge to help you avoid many of age-related conditions in the first place.

Geriatricians are a great resource for people as they age. They’re specially trained in the conditions older adults face, and they can help integrate your care if you’re dealing with several conditions at the same time.

NOTRE DAME LONG TERM CARE CENTER is committed to providing residents with opportunities that enrich and enhance their well-being. Please call (508) 852-3011 to learn more about our long-term care center at 559 Plantation Street.

P.S. Even people who are confident in the ability of their primary care physicians to care for them in their elderly years should include a geriatrician on their healthcare team.

Notre Dame Health Care

Long Term Care

559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA

508.852.3011 notredamehealthcare.org