Heisinger Bluffs held a health fair for residents and staff Thursday.
The event, according to Lori Baumhoer, the facility’s director of community wellness, was to teach residents a little bit about people in the community serving the same purpose as Heisinger staff — keeping them active while aging.
“We want our residents to continue to age healthy, no matter what age they are chronologically,” Baumhoer said. “We’ve got a little bit of everything.”
Vendors represented West Point Senior Center, Phoenix Home Care, Young Living, Genesis Laser and Vein, Centerpointe (behavioral health) Hospital, Jefferson City Area YMCA and other organizations.
Other vendors offered free blood pressure or biometric screenings.
Capital Region Medical Center physician Jennifer Su and The Yoga Studio’s Mary Jo LaCorte hosted a seated yoga class for residents.
“I really tried to focus on all the dimensions of wellness as we put this health fair together,” Baumhoer said. “We even have — for some relaxation and emotional wellness — somebody doing massages and some sound therapy.”
Staff were included in the event because organizers wanted to incorporate employee wellness as well, she said.
Haley Johannpeter stood near other venders, demonstrating home exercise equipment — “jump rope” and weighted aerobic hula hoop.
The jump rope used cordless systems, so no actual jumping is necessary. The exercise works well for gripping, and toning arms, shoulders and the neck.
Unlike traditional hula hoops, the weighted hoop fits around the waist like a belt. The device includes a weighted, tethered ball that rotates around the user’s body. The exercise device tones and shapes abs, backs, thighs and buttocks.
Resident Betty Masters said she and others learned about things they may have taken for granted.
“We’re getting some exercise in, which is good for us,” Masters said. “People are friendly and happy.”
Maybe something she learned would help her live longer, she said.
“When you’re 82 years old, you try to get as much in as you can,” she continued. “I’m very pleased with everything they’re doing here to help us.”
Barbara and Joe Weaver have been in independent living at Heisinger Bluffs for about 18 months, they said.
“I’m learning about products and services in our community,” Barbara Weaver said.
Julie Smith/News Tribune
Ruby Zook relaxes her neck and shoulders while receiving a neck and shoulder massage from Michelle Leaf while behind her Doris Guillory does the same for Betty Masters. Zook and Masters are residents at Heisinger Bluffs which hosted a “Health Like Never B4” health fair Thursday featuring area vendors like Guillory, owner of Catalpa Wellness and others whose goal is to supply resources or items the residents need for a good quality of life.
Julie Smith/News Tribune
Haley Johannpeter, at right, watches as Nancee Allen exercises her arms using a ropeless jump rope Thursday as Heisinger Bluffs hosted a “Health Like Never B4” health fair at the facility. Johannpeter is Heisinger’s Health Services Counselor and took part in the day’s event to encourage residents to be able to live their best life.
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