Seniors realize benefits of exercise
Stop the clock and beat the record at McMinnville Civic Center as the SilverSneakers Program is celebrating its fourth annual National Active Adult Achievement Week.
During this week, which ends today, program members will be exercising with a mission of stopping the hands of time while beating last year?s record for most members exercising in a single day.
On Wednesday, members gathered locally, as well as around the country, to celebrate Fitness, Fun and Friends Day in an effort to beat the all-time national record of 35,000. That record was set last April.
This week is also recognition week. One person was presented with the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award which rewards members? commitment to health and exercise. This year that recognition went to Ruth Stubblefield who has 19 visits in the last six months.
?This is a wonderful program,? said Stubblefield. ?I never thought I would get this award. On the days I don?t attend class, I walk half a mile to one mile.?
Her dedication to an active, healthy lifestyle is an inspirational story all its own. She has gone from possibly being in a wheelchair for the rest of her life to enjoying exercise.
?I have rheumatoid arthritis and my doctor told me if I didn?t start exercising I would end up in a wheelchair,? said Stubblefield. ?When I started the program I couldn?t do much but now I?m doing so much better. The program has helped me out so much.?
Her story could be one of many nominated for the program?s Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award, which pays tribute to a SilverSneakers member with the most inspirational story related to his or her commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
The award is named for the father of Mary Swanson, founder of the program. Over 30 years ago he suffered a heart attack and began a healthy lifestyle that included exercising three times a week. This incident led Swanson to develop the program. Richard Swanson passed away on Dec. 25, 2003.
To be considered for this award, members are asked to nominate themselves or a fellow classmate. Forms can be picked up at the Civic Center and sent into the Healthyways office in Arizona. Each health plan will have one finalist, with a grand prize winner chosen from that group. The grand prize winner will be flown to Arizona to celebrate with the entire team.
The SilverSneakers program, offered by Axia Health Management, Inc., is open to senior citizens who have Humana and HealthSpring insurance. For more information, contact McMinnville Civic Center at 473-1212.