Sitting Fit
As COVID hit back in 2020, our internal ministries stopped. We went online and continued some of our groups via Zoom. Now, as things have opened, we are seeing more faces and hearing voices around the halls of the church, which is so exciting!
But did you know that our internal ministries were not the only groups to stop? We host weekly groups from our community, and are excited to feature a few of these groups.
Today we caught up with the Alzheimer’s Organization, who meet here regularly for their walking group and Sit To Be Fit group. We asked them a few questions to tell us more their organization.
Tell us a little about your organization, the Alzheimer’s Organization and about yourself!
The mission statement of the Alzheimer states that – People with dementia are at the center of everything we do. The Alzheimer Society leverages its own and community resource’s to deliver health promotion, advocacy, and support services to people with dementia, those at greatest risk of developing dementia and their care partners. We embrace the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s mission to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and to promote research.
Shannon Bergeron (pictured left) who leads the groups has been with the organization for 7 years.
Tell us more about the group that meets here each Wednesday: what does the group do and what are the benefits of it?
The Alzheimer received funding from the LHIN ( now called Home and Community Care Support Services ) aprox 10 years to offer exercise programs to the public and retirement homes in Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton and Burlington. The Sit to be Fit (Tuesday) and Walking groups (Thursday) are open free of charge to the public.
The Sit to be Fit class focuses on strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The classes are designed to keep individuals independent; in turn which will hopefully help them maintain daily living skills and remain in their homes longer. The social aspect of the group is just as important as the exercise.
Walking With Poles: During the walking group they use walking poles – when using the poles to walk it works 90% of your body rather than regular walking, makes you stand straighter and improves balance. Walking with poles is highly recommended by the Osteoporosis Society. Shannon is Certified for teaching how to use these poles properly.
The group that runs Wednesday is called Minds in Motion and also funded by the CCSS. MiM is a program that combines physical activity, and mental and social stimulation for individuals experiencing early stage memory loss and their guest, usually a family member or friend.
When does the Minds in Motion program run?
- The program runs once a week aprox 2 hours per group: 1st Group at 10:00 am and 2nd Group at 1:00 pm
- 8 week sessions – 45 minutes of exercise followed by 45 minute social.
- To attend this program you must be registered with the Alzheimer society; it runs in 8 week sessions as due to the popularity there is sometimes a wait list.
How can people in our church get involved, is it open to everyone?
The Tuesday and Thursday groups are open to the public – to register for these classes you can call 1-866-428-1552
Minds in Motion: If anyone has been diagnosed with memory loss and are not a client of the Alzheimer Society but are interested in becoming a client please call the same number and Sherri will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If currently a client and would like more information please call as well.