YMCA: Preventing and controlling chronic disease Submitted Editors note: This is part one of a three-part series from the Marion Family YMCA about preventing and controlling chronic disease locally. The Y has a long history of transforming itself to meet the social and health needs of its time. With the growing number of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, childhood obesity and cancer, it is detrimental to our nation’s health, economy and quality of life. In response, the Y is embracing its unique position as the largest U.S. non-profit with a health and wellness mission to actively join the fight against chronic disease. The Marion Family YMCA is hard at work offering programs that help to decrease risk factors for chronic diseases, prevent the onset of chronic disease and help those who already have a chronic disease to reclaim their health.