Edie Cairns | Feb 01, 2014


“Age is only a number”. “You're only as old as you feel”. “The more you move the more you can”.

All of us have heard these adages. Some of us might even have heard them in the doctor's office. Now our answers of, "But I don't live three blocks from the gym”. “The lake is a trifle cold these days" and the favourite, "I'm on a fixed income and a membership instead of hydro is not an option" hold no water. We live in the catch basin for the Sharbot Lake Family Health Team - Medical Centre and are blessed because of it. For the last few months the centre has been sponsoring Fitness Classes for seniors. The twice weekly classes are conducted by two expert, energetic Occupational Therapists, Charlene Feakins (Tuesdays) and Stephanie Lackey (Thursdays). There are three different classes on each of those days to better accommodate our busy schedules. Each class focuses on cardio, bone and muscle health, finishing with a proper cool down and relaxation. Charlene and Stephanie are experts at modifying the pace of the activities to the group as well as encouraging individual adaptations for every exercise. Balance and flexibility for everyday living are the goals. The music is chosen with our pasts in mind and it is not unusual to hear more than a little humming or singing through the huffing and puffing. The atmosphere is energetic, up beat and forgiving. No matter how you were feeling when you walked into class, you are smiling when you leave.

Over this last session there have also been informative presentations by some of the other medical centre personnel. The dietitian, Saman Iqbal, told us about a number of helpful good meal tips to keep us on the course to healthy living, and nurse practitioner, Brenda Bonner, enlightened us on the differences between osteo and rheumatoid arthritis and suggestions for coping with them.

Western medicine is oft criticized for its focus on illness. As our grandmas were found of saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." The medical centre has put its money where its mouth is. Now it's time for you to Walk The Talk. The next session begins February 25, 2014 and they are FREE. Register for classes at the front desk or at an Outdoor Winter Fun day that is being held at the medical centre starting at 11am on Tues. February 11. Bring your skates, skis, snowshoes, poles, etc. There is a potluck at noon

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