Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging in Vermont
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Wellness Program

Learn More About Falls Prevention

"I wanted you to know how much my husband and I are enjoying the Fall Prevention Tai Chi program that we are attending twice a week in St. Johnsbury.  I was so pleased when Linda Speer came to our Monroe Bone Builder class and told me about the class that was available at no cost to participants! Our sessions are relaxing, challenging, and so rewarding. Thank you Karen, Jenny, and Bill for leading these sessions!  I was also pleased to hear of your Growing Stronger with the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and shocked when my husband was ready to attend! I have not been able to get him to attend our Bone Builder program in Monroe and yet he was willing to drive to St. Johnsbury for a similar class…it must have been the instructor!" 

Wellness Program Coordinator, Emily Sanderson

Emily supervises our wellness program that extends throughout the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.  If you have a desire to become a NEKCOA Wellness Leader or have questions about attending a wellness class, please contact Emily at (802) 751-0431 or email:  esanderson@nekcouncil.org. 

Regular physical activity is the most important routine you can have to improve, and maintain, a healthy you. Please talk to your healthcare provider to see what option is best for you.

Finding Balance - Falls Risk Assessment Online Calendar of Wellness Classes

Arthritis Foundation 
Exercise Program

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) is a low-impact physical activity program proven to reduce pain and decrease stiffness. The sessions include gentle range-of-motion exercises that are suitable for every fitness level and ability. Led by Certified AFEP Trainers, the enjoyable and motivational classes may be taken either standing or sitting in a chair. Due to the fact that the program is evidence-based, proven results are achievable in pain reduction, improved joint function, increased muscular strength, and an overall improved sense of well-being and quality of life.
Calendar of AFEP Classes 15- page guide to AFEP Exercises
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Photo courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation

NEW! Arthritis Foundation 
Aquatic Program

The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program is a warm-water exercise program suitable for any fitness level. The sessions include gentle range-of-motion exercises, muscle strengthening, and socialization activities. Led by a trained program leader, these enjoyable and motivational classes are held in the water, though swimming skills are not necessary. 
There is a $5 fee to offset the cost of the use of the facility.
For more information and to register, please, call Karen Budde at (802) 751-0431.  There is currently a waiting list for this class. 

Golden Ball 
Tai Chi

Golden Ball Tai Chi (pronounced TIE CHEE) is an ancient Chinese practice. This graceful form of exercise is used to reduce stress and modify a variety of other health conditions. Authorized instructors lead the weekly classes.


Tai Chi Qi Gong is widely acknowledged as beneficial for healthy aging. Authorized trainers lead the weekly classes.


The World Health Organization recognizes wellness as “…a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Here in northeastern Vermont, the NEK Council on Aging provides information on the practice of Tai Chi. 
Benefits of Golden Ball Tai Chi
  • Relaxes tense neck and shoulders
  • Relieves stiff hips and joints
  • Improves balance
  • Helps prevent falls
  • Restores lost vitality
  • Improves circulation and digestion
  • Calms the nerves
  • Increases stamina
The video is the original video launching Golden Ball Tai Chi in Vermont in 2007. Many participants in the video still attend weekly classes. 

Fall 
Prevention
Tai Chi

Fall Prevention
Tai Chi

Falls Prevention Tai Chi is a Sun Style form of Tai Chi.  It is a variety of movements and forms that specifically work on fall prevention strategies like weight transference, mindfulness, and balance. Falls are the number one cause of injury and hospital visits with the likelihood of death among people age 65 and older  and approximately one in three older adults fall annually.  The class is also taught with participants seated.  See these valuable video links below (if you are interested in these videos, please check with your heathcare provider before starting a program):

Arthritis 1 & 2 for Tai Chi Health Arthritis 1 & 2 Tai Chi - Jennifer Chung Sun 73 Forms Demonstration
Four Things You Can Do to Prevent Falls: 
  1.  Speak up - Talk openly with your healthcare provider about fall risks and prevention. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines.
  2.  Keep moving - Begin an exercise program to improve your leg strength and balance.
  3.  Get an annual eye exam - Replace eyeglasses as needed.
  4.  Make your home safer - Remove clutter and tripping hazards.

Modified Bone Builders

The RSVP Bone Builders Osteoporosis  Prevention and Reversal Program is an effective combination of weight bearing, balance and stretching exercises, and support for all stages of osteoporosis. 


In Bone Builders, participants:

 

  • participate in an effective combination of weight bearing, balance and stretching exercises, with nutritional information, and support for all stages of osteoporosis. 
  • increase bone density and reduce the effects of osteoporosis

 

Line Dancing

Dancing is a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise while also allowing you to engage in a social activity. The health benefits of dancing for seniors range from improving your physical health to creating strong social connections that increase your sense of well-being.
Health benefits of line dancing:
  • Cardiovascular muscular strength  improves
  • Flexibility becomes better
  • High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and high triglyceride levels, as well as high blood sugar levels can all improve
  • Coordination improves through the different movements
  • Improves lung capacity
  • Bone strength can increase; bone loss can be stopped or slowed down
  • Line dancing can aid in weight control
  • Half an hour of continuous line dancing can burn an average of 300 calories

Quahog Dance Theater

Love to move and feel the music!  Here is your chance to participate in a VERY FUN wellness class led by professionals in theater.  Join instructor Janet Warner-Ashley as she leads you with simple movement and rhythm exercises.  Read all about the fun this class is having in an article published by Seven Days Magazine.


Bone Builders

Chair Yoga

Join our friends at Sweetwater Studios in East Burke for Chair Yoga every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 - 10 a.m.


View Chair Yoga Schedule
Bone Builders
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