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Presbyterian Village North Celebrates American Heart Month

In recognition of American Heart Month, residents and team members at Dallas’ Presbyterian Village North (PVN) came together and pushed themselves to new levels during their workout sessions so they could “Dash Out Heart Disease”. The senior living community hosted two wellness challenges, one for residents and one for staff, and will reward participants with a healthy luncheon and other special prizes at the conclusion of the challenge. Hoping to raise awareness of heart health—which can be achieved through a combination of active living and a nutritional diet—these seniors and team members worked on building healthy habits they plan to maintain all year long. 82-year-old Grayce Herring, a resident of PVN, has been rigorously exercising for more than 40 years. While in her 40s, it occurred to her that if she wanted to be active at 100 years old, she had better start exercising more and maintaining an active lifestyle. When her husband had a heart attack at the age of 54, they increased their time spent at the gym, went on more walks and had stricter nutritional plans. She participated in PVN’s four-week challenge to raise awareness for heart health.

 

“If we have to grow old, it’s better to grow old feeling good, rather than feeling feeble,” said Herring. “Exercise makes a world of difference. If you’re feeling unmotivated, you have to find the energy to just get up and do it. Everyone has something that works for them. I’m not a morning exercise person, so the best classes for me happen after 9:00 a.m. The great thing about this challenge for American Heart Month is that it encouraged more and more people to come and try out the classes, or get more involved with them. We have depositors who do not even live here yet, and they are attending the classes. It’s good for socialization, it’s fun and we keep each other accountable. The staff is enthusiastic too, so that helps tremendously. I’m happy to have helped raise awareness for American Heart Month through this fitness challenge.”

 

The residents’ fitness challenge pushed seniors to complete at least 30 minutes of activity each day, five days a week for four weeks. They will conclude the challenge with a healthy luncheon. Residents have a variety of classes available to them, including cardio fit, tai chi, yoga, balance, stretch and strengthen and many more. In addition, they have access to a cardio and strength room where they have the option to utilize a variety of exercise equipment. Herring’s favorite form of exercise is Pilates, but she also enjoys aerobic classes, Osteofit, yoga and tai chi. On the weekends she likes to use the elliptical. All in all, Herring spends about five to eight hours a week exercising in various ways. She truly believes exercise is the route to healthy aging, and credits feeling and looking good to her active lifestyle.

 

The employee fitness challenge was the First Annual Presbyterian Communities and Services Duathlon. In a duathlon, participants run or walk a 5k, bike a 10k and then run or walk another 5k.The challenge was been designed for a variety of fitness levels, allowing participants to complete it at their own pace and in multiple sessions. Those who participated each week and finish the duathlon will be entered into a drawing to have the chance to win several prizes.

 

“We are trying to encourage people to get up and get moving to raise awareness for American Heart Month,” said Shannon Radford, wellness director for Presbyterian Village North. “This is a great way to help people build and maintain heart healthy habits. Many of our loved ones or friends of loved ones have been affected by heart disease and other heart-related health conditions. It’s important that we educate people on the significance of active, healthy living.”

 

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Monday, 29 February 2016