February 24, 2005
SHASS fitness kickoff and its first annual campaign kickoff a success
The February 21 kickoff for SHASS' Lighthouse Steppers and the Lighter Club was a success. Over 100 people enrolled for this special fitness program that comprises walking, nutrition and incentive awards.
The overall goal of the program is to create innovative wellness that addresses the increased need for physical activity, good nutrition and losing body fat. The Lighthouse Steppers includes two treadmills, indoor walking areas both in South Haven & Bangor (outdoor trail as well); organized group walks, participation in community events. Membership includes a pedometer, a daily walking log and incentive rewards. The Lighter Club, which meets on Thursdays at either 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. at the Warren Senior Center, comprises a series of nutrition classes, weekly weigh-in, peer support for dieting seniors, dieting tips, nutritional information packet, effective lifestyle changes and incentive rewards for members.
Yearly membership fee: 50 and over: $10 for one program or $15 for both Steppers & Lighter Club. Those under 50 pay a yearly fee of $20 for one program or $30 for both. (The program is primarily for seniors 50 and over.)
For more information about this SHASS fitness program, made possible through a grant from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MI Healthy Aging Program, call Mary at 637-3607.
The recent SHASS kickoff for its first annual "Give From the Heart Campaign" was also a success.
SHASS is celebrating its ten year Diamond anniversary. The "Give From the Heart" campaign is designed to provide additional opportunities for seniors and community people to help support the on-going activities and services of SHASS. The funds collected will be used in the following categories: to provide seniors with rides to medical care; to help provide health screenings and exercise; in-home case management for frail elders; senior center activities; and program fee scholarships. The campaign goal is $10,000 and to date SHASS has received over $6,300. Membership levels: $1 to $50 = Friends Club; $51 to $200 = Diamond Club; $201-$499 = Heritage Club; and $500 and over = Legacy Club. All donations are tax deductible. Director Jennifer Carver said, "We look forward to celebrating this diamond anniversary together with all of our seniors. Look for some exciting upcoming celebrations such as a Senior Day in May, an anniversary celebration party in October and much more!"
Another news item - SHASS has joined forces with the Region 4 Area Agency on Aging and the Human Services Colaborative Council to offer the "Heads Up" program, a falls prevention program. Falls can have painful and costly consequences. A fall is the single most likely way you will wind up in an emergency room. And while falls may seem funny in the movies, they usually involve considerable pain, great cost. long treatment and rehabilitation time, and, often, servere disability.
The "Heads Up" program provides education about falls prevention and provides a falls assessment to determine an individual's risk of falling. The program also provides information about working with one's physician related to falls prevention, about improving one's balance and on making one's home safe. A resource directory for fitness programs aimed at improving balance and flexibility is also available. To receive information about "Heads Up" or to schedule a presentation for your church, organization or community group, call Sandra Tyrrell at 269-637-3607, or toll free at 1-866-627-8904 or call the Senior Info-Line at 800-654-2810.
And now for a little Easter trivia. The process that makes the shell-like coating for jelly beans is called panning. It was invented in France during the 17th century and has remained essentially unchanged for the past 300 years.
Happy March and Happy Easter from SHASS!
Posted by Sandra at 02:18 PM | Comments (1)