It can be very hard to find time in today's busy world to dedicate to exerecise and overall fitness.  For those with disabilities, be they physical or mental, it can be even more challenging.  Depending on their level of independence, some may require the aid of a caregiver to assist in any kind of fitness program or daily exercises.  This can be especially true for older persons who may find that they don't move like they used to, whether it be due to arthritis or some other chronic illness.  They can easily cease all activity due to the constant pain.  This of course will lead to further physical deterioration and even a mental decline.  One group, The National Therapeutic Society, has established a week to promote awareness of the importance of physical fitness to the body and mind.  Each year, since 1984, the second week in July is dedicated to creating and promoting recreational activities for those people with disabilities.

    This year, National Therapeutic Recreation week is being observed July 12th-18th.  Throughout the nation, workshops, health fairs, athletic events and seminars are being held to offer information and showcase the importance of physical recreation to all disabled persons, regardless of age.  The NRPA (National Recreation and Park Association) offers 15 simple ways to get involved and help promote therapeutic recreation in your community.  This includes everything from sending a press release to your local media to organizing a team-based tournament for those with disabilities.  For those who work in senior living communities, it is the perfect time to discover new programs and activites that you can adjust to fit the needs and interests of your residents.  Just recently, at The Pointe at Kilpatrick, several belly dancers came to perform a show.  At the end of program, they encouraged the residents in attendance to join them in a lesson.  A surprising number of the women AND men, eagerly joined the dancers.  What started out as simple entertainment, quickly became a physical and social exercise.  The group clapped along to the music and danced together. 

     There are so many ways to get seniors with disabilities invloved in physical recreation.  Everything from bean bag tosses to a Wii gaming system can get those residents that may have become withdrawn involved in their community again.  Obviously, each individual's physical capabilities must be taken into consideration, but many activities can be adapted to fit each one.  Most of the Wii games, for example, require nothing more than a slight movement of the arms. This can easily be done from a wheel chair or walker.  It is also a great way to connect the generations.  Entire families can play the games at the same level, from young children to their grandparents.  If you are disabled, find a recreation you enjoy and figure out how it can work for you. (Consult your doctor or physical therapist for ideas and resources). If you know someone who is disabled and having troubles adjsuting physically, help them find something of interest that you can both participate in.  Group activities tend to be more motivating and will help to build a routine. 

June 10th-17th is National Nursing Assistants Week.  It is a time to recognize the hard work and personalized care that they provide. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), like many health care professionals, manage a variety of roles and in a variety of settings. This could be in a hospital, a rehabilitation center or even someone's home. Due to the type of care they provide, CNAs are usually present in senior communities. The Pointe at Kilpatrick is a supportive living community and the  residents here are highly independent.  Unlike the daily care a CNA might provide in a nursing home, the role of the CNA at The Pointe is provide support for the residents so that they can remain independent.  They may remind residents to take medications, escort them to the dining room and if necessary, may even assist in showering at times.  Because the nature of care is so personal, relationships between CNAs and residents becomes personal.  This provides continuity of care and enables staff and residents to develop a personal rapport.

The administration would like to recognize all of their CNAs that provide loving care to the residents.  Throughtout the year, different CNAs will be highlighted with a brief history of their experiences. In honor of National Nursing Assistants Week, we will begin with three of our on-staff CNAs.

Sherry Brown joined The Pointe at Kilpatrick shortly after it opened it's doors, bringing with her over 15 years of experience.  She became a CNA while studying to be a nurse, but loved working with seniors so much, she decided to remain a CNA.  Sherry is a Team Leader and trains others to be CNAs. She is also the right hand to the Residents Service Director. When asked about being a CNA, Sherry said, "I love having direct interactions with the residents.  I have a good rapport with seniors and love talking to them".

Wanda Jones has been with The Pointe since she bacame a CNA in 2007.  Wanda plans on starting nursing school this fall and intends on working with seniors throughout her career. The residents commented that "Wanda is always happy and willing to help" to which she replied  "I love caring for them and interacting with them.  They make me happy".

Diane Rios has worked at The Pointe for 7 years.  She decided to become a CNA after caring for her mother.  She didnt like the way her mom was being treated by her home health care providers and decided that she wanted to make a diference to others by becoming a CNA.  She is also a Team Leader and described by residens and coworkers alike as "..very kind and very friendly".  "She always brightens our day"

As is usually the case, many people and communities around America celebrated Memorial Day with parades and ceremonies to honor the men and women who have fought for this country.  It's a time that, as a nation, we can remember collectively. However, there are groups and organizations that pay homage to these individuals on a daily basis.  One such organiztion is the Honor Flight Network.

Originating out of Springfield, Ohio in May of 2005, Honor Flight took 12 WWII vets to visit the memorial in Washington D.C.  Within months, the waiting list was so long that they incorporated the use of commercial airlines.  With a hub in almost every state, there are more flights to accomodate the still long lists of vets waiting to take the trip. One veteran in particular, Jack Garness, a resident at The Pointe at Kilpatrick, had been waiting for sometime when he got the call that his turn had come.  On Wednesday, May 21st, Jack and 79 other WWII vets flew out of St. Louis to Washington D.C. to visit the memorial that was dedicated to them.

Jack, who's civilian life was already filled with adventure, fought in the Pacific and was actually shot twice.  Before the war, Jack had played professional baseball in 1936-1937 and even played with Cincinnati Reds' Hank Sauer.  Jack's greatess passion though, was flying.  He loved to fly his own planes and says that he really misses being able to do it.  He also ran a car dealership for years.

To listen to Jack tell his stories is amazing in itself.  He treats them all as matter of fact, whether he was selling a car or fighting in the war.  It's wonderful to know that their is a group out there, helping men and women like Jack in realizing a dream. Going to the memorial and being able to sharing their experiences  with others who lived it, is a very powerful reminder to the vets of why they fought those battles in the first place.

For more information on the history, locations and schedules of The Honor Flight Network log on to www.honorflight.org

May is Arthritis Awareness Month.  According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 medical conditions associated with arthritis and it affects nearly 46 million Americans to date.  Arthritis is described as an inflammation of one or more joints (such as knees, shoulders, wrists...).  The general symptoms are:
*pain
*stiffness
*swelling                                                                                           
*redness
*decreased range of motion

The pain is caused from joint damage due to wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or from the body's immune system attacking the joints (rheumatoid arthritis).  Regardless of cause, it is a painful condition that can prohibit even the simplest of movements.  The Mayo Clinic stresses that "exercise is crucial for people with arthritis.  It increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain and helps combat fatigue".  Obviously, a doctor should always be consulted before attempting certain exercises.  You and your doctor can work out a program that fits your capabilities and interests. 

One of the easiest and safest ways to exerecise is walking. Other than shoes with good support, no other equipment is necessary.  It can be done indoors, so is not dependent on weather or location.  Another benefit is that it can be done alone or in a group.  As with many activities, however, a group can be more fun and if it is more fun, then it is more likely you will continue to do it.  At The Pointe at Kilpatrick, there is a solid group of about 15 residents who participate in a group walk 3 days a week.  Weather permitting, they walk outside in the gardens or surrounding area and when the weather is bad, they walk through the different neighborhoods in the community of the Pointe at Kilpatrick. Even those that require a walker for stability are encouraged to participate.  Each walking session last about 25 minutes.  Several of the participants have arthritis and say the walks help to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with their conditions.  Another benefit to the group walk is the social interaction it provides.  The simple act of having a conversation helps to promote brain fitness and stimulation.  It is an overall workout; body and mind.

The Pointe at Kilpatrick also offers another group exercise prgram that helps in the fight against arthritis symptoms.  It is a stationary program that focuses on range of motion exercises.  With over 30 regular attendees, the program is geared for everyone, despite any physical limitations they may have. The session involves strectching and repetitive basic movements to keep joints loose and functioning.  By strengthening joints and the muscles surrounding them, pain and swelling are reduced, giving the individual more freedom and a greater range of motion overall.  Another important factor is that these exercises can be done standing or sitting, so even residents who require the use of a wheel chair can still participate as a group and get the same benefits of the exercises and social interactions. 

If you or someone you know has arthritis, make it a point to start an exercise program or help someone start one for themself.  Taking family walks is an easy, and free, way to not only exercise, but to reconnect with loved ones.  It is an activity that any age person can participate in. 
If you have any experiences or suggestions on arthritis and/or exercises that help, please feel free to respond.