Photo left to right: James Johnson, PT, Trainer; Danielle Leblanc, RSVP volunteer; Joseph Davis, Aroostook RSVP Volunteer Coordinator; Judy Anderson, Aroostook RSVP Director, LCSW
Fort Kent ~ On March 10th, volunteers at NMMC were trained by Physical Therapist, James Johnson, to teach a class called Bone Builders. In partnership with the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging’s RSVP Volunteer Program, NMMC will be offering the free class to the public.
Bone Builders is a fitness program for people age fifty and older that focuses on balance, strength training and has an educational component that includes such topics as fall prevention, osteoporosis and nutrition. One in two women and one in five men will suffer a debilitating fracture due to osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become weak, brittle and more likely to fracture. Bone density peaks at about age thirty and then begins a slow and gradual decline as a normal part of the aging process.
The exercises used in the program were developed at Tufts University and are the same at every Bone Builders site around the country. The evidence-based program is an osteoporosis prevention program which can help the body to increase bone density and reverse the effects of osteoporosis. The classes are intended to help seniors make changes that will truly help keep them safe and healthy while also ensuring that the program itself does not increase stress or cause pain. The program starts off very gently and builds gradually as the participant’s strength increases. The gentle and slow Bone Builder exercise program stresses bones; stimulated by this stress, bone density has been shown to increase over time. In addition, the sessions provide socialization and camaraderie.
The program is expected to begin in the Spring and will be held twice a week at a local to be determined. The program typically runs ten months of the year. Participants must have physician approval before participating in the program. For more information on eligibility and start date, contact Joanne Fortin at 207-834-1353.
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