Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - Community Healthcare - (Page 50)

SPOTLIGHT ON: St. Catherine hoSpital taking Steps Toward Better health Cardiac rehab program partners with SilverSneakers to help older adults improve their health W by AngelA Moore hile SilverSneakers may be the name of this dynamic group, any color athletic shoe will do. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department of St. Catherine Hospital is now a part of a national program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social activity at no cost. SilverSneakers Fitness Program is the nation’s leading, fully funded Medicare exercise program for older adults. Developed out of the need for a fitness program tailored specifically to the Medicare eligible population, SilverSneakers was created in 1992 to engage and reach a population that may have never been to a fitness center. “We had everything in place for this type of program and were thrilled when we learned we were eligible to offer our patients such an exciting opportunity,” says Fran Clark, R.N., manager of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at St. Catherine Hospital. SilverSneakers providers are chosen based on the ability to meet certain criteria as outlined in the national program model, she says. Criteria include location (convenience and ease of access), quality and variety of equipment, attentiveness of staff, safety and cleanliness, and existence of a program designed to help keep older adults healthy, Clark says. “Attending the program has been a joy for me,” says East Chicago resident Teddy McMahon. “I look forward to coming here. It has helped me stay in better shape, and I can breathe better than I did a year ago. The staff is very helpful and friendly. They are there to answer all questions and give suggestions to everyone. I have met a lot of new people and enjoy seeing them. I made new friendships for life. I plan to continue for years to come.” GettinG Results Rudy Esquivel of Hammond says the SilverSneakers program gave him the gift of good health. Do programs like SilverSneakers work? According to the latest research and member testimonials, the answer is yes. In a nationwide study of more than 50 Vim & Vigor • W i n ter 2 012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - Community Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - Community Healthcare
Contents
Community Message
Community Briefs
From Silence to Success
Winning the Weight War
Because I Said So!
What’s Wrong with This Picture?
The Future Is Now
Everyday Hero
What Does 200 Calories Look Like?
Johnny Be Good
In the Driver’s Seat
We’ve Got Your Back
Bank on Your Health
Virtual Health
A Symphony of Comfort
SPOTLIGHT ON: St. Catherine Hospital
SPOTLIGHT ON: St. Mary Medical Center
SPOTLIGHT ON: Community Hospital
Miracle on Ice

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - Community Healthcare