Willett Watch

Slow and steady wins the race

It has happened to us all. We try to work out, stay active and get into shape so that we will be healthy. A simple enough idea. But what happens when you encounter an illness that totally frustrates your ability to stay in shape? Even the greatest of athletes has had to struggle with this problem.

Of course multi-million dollar athletes have high-priced trainers at their beck and call. However, if you are older and struggling to come back from a condition that has sidelined you, there are not many options.

If you had a broken leg, you can't walk on it. In most cases you receive a rehabilitation program that allows you to begin walking again. After you are back on your feet though, any OHIP coverage for rehabilitation treatment is usually finished.

However there is a big difference between just being able to walk and the requirements of most exercise programs. That is when a new program at the Willett called “Ever Active”, can help. It is a fitness and education program designed to help optimize health, wellness and independence in older adults. In many cases the individual may have other medical conditions that complicate the efforts of getting back in shape. For some, repeated hospitalizations may have made it extremely difficult to even imagine getting into an exercise program.

Kinesiologist, Brea Corbet, understands the challenges faced by those who are older and not quite up to attending a regular fitness program. Brea runs the “Ever Active” program and is very diligent about her research. She is an honours graduate of the University of Waterloo , so she knows what to look for. She makes sure that she gets a complete medical background on each participant and is aware of any risk factors that may have to be taken into consideration. She makes an initial assessment of the individual and if there are any questions she makes sure to contact the family doctor for further information.

Unlike other exercise programs, this one focuses on gradual growth until the person is functioning on a high enough level to join a regular fitness program or return to their previous activities. Until then, slow and steady wins the race.

Running the program every Wednesday and Friday, Brea focuses on strengthening and conditioning exercises adapted to the individual's abilities. Using equipment such as resistance elastics and treadmills, she gives participants very individual attention. Even so, the class structure is such that it allows the group to encourage each other. Since the program is not covered by OHIP, there is a minimal charge of only $2.50 a class.

Each person is encouraged to create goals. For some it may mean improved balance, others may want to improve their driving skills and still others may want to walk further. The end result is improved health and increased ability to stay independent. That is where the reward comes in for Brea . “It is wonderful to see the initial capabilities of a person and then see them change achieving a new goal such as walking without a cane or being able to lift groceries,” says Brea .

The program still has spots available and is welcoming new patients in. For further information call 442-2251, ext.6404.

On a more somber note, sadly, last week, Elaine Scott passed away. She was a very active supporter of the Willett and served as president of the Willett Volunteer Association. During that time she was an excellent advocate for the volunteers and cared deeply about the organization. Our greatest sympathies are with her family and friends as they mourn her loss. Paris and the Willett was a better place because of Elaine.

Peter Muir is a communications specialist with Community Relations at the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health centre providing primary, emergency and specialized services. The Willett provides urgent care, primary and community outreach services.