Unique community wellness program kicks off April 1

Saint Anthony Medical Center offers service to help with disabilities

CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center Rehabilitation Institute therapists have gone above and beyond the call of their normal duties.

Recognizing a need for further education and support for people who no longer require medical care, but who still have one or more disabilities, the therapists designed a Community Wellness Program specially formulated for them.

The result is an eight-week program that kicks off from 11 a.m. to noon April 1, in cooperation with the Southlake YMCA, 1450 S. Court St. Subsequent sessions are scheduled to begin July 1 and Oct. 7.

A weekly fitness class will include stretching, strengthening and cardiovascular exercise. The goal is to assist people with new or longstanding medical conditions who want to improve their physical, emotional, environmental and social well-being.

Classes will incorporate physical fitness, health education and peer support to enable participants to gain confidence and function for their home and community lives. Participants must bring someone with them to assist during exercises.

“We are excited to address the health and wellness needs for people with new or longstanding medical conditions who want to improve their general well-being,” said Brooke Nack, one of five therapists involved in the effort.

“However, this (program) should not be taken as a “therapeutic” program. It is simply a community wellness program, comparable to other public exercise or wellness classes,” she added.

“The YMCA was chosen because both the YMCA and SAMC Wellness Committee are focused on promoting health outside of a medical setting,” Nack said.

Carl Zurbiggen, YMCA wellness director, coordinated use of the facilities, including a multi-purpose room that contains fitness equipment, a private weight room and access to cardio/cybex rooms.

The program will guide participants through progressive levels, including:

• Level One – Guided group fitness class.
• Level Two – Supervised use of private training rooms.
• Level Three – Independent use of the community fitness center.

As clients progress, collaboration with YMCA staff will ease the transition toward personalized fitness independence.

Participants need to complete registration forms, a health surveyand obtain a physician’s consent.

Fee is $75, payable to Saint Anthony Medical Center, before the first class. Registration should be completed as soon as possible to be in time for the session.

For more information and to register, call (219) 757-6029.