NJFA’s 14th Annual Conference aims to bring you evidence based and successful community outreach models. One topic being covered on June 14th is community health and wellness.
Exercise can decrease bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce your risk of fractures. Exercise is not only good for the bones but also for your heart health, prevention of diabetes and many more positive outcomes.
 A complete exercise program should include weight-bearing, resistance, postural, and balance exercises, according to Margie Bissinger, Physical Therapist and presenter at this year’s conference.  The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services offers safe, peer led exercise programs such as, “MoveToday” that contain all of these elements.
Move Today is a 30-45 minute non-aerobic exercise class designed to improve flexibility, balance and stamina. Participants assess their health, physical well-being and intent to make behavior changes before and upon completion of the program. The exercises and guidelines are based on current nationally recognized standards and science.
Exercises can be done while sitting or standing. Classes are led by trained peer leaders and meet weekly or bi-weekly for twelve sessions. Program features include:
- A brief education component focusing on an exercise-related topic.
- Inexpensive exercise bands to gain maximum effect from resistance exercises.
- A major focus on good posture and falls prevention.
- An exercise intensity scale and a weekly exercise log to track participant activity.
- A self-assessment process for participants to assess their health, physical well-being and intent for behavior change given both before and upon completion of the program.
At NJFA’s Annual conference on June 14th, you can hear from, Margie Bissinger the physical therapist who helping NJ develop these programs, as well as two practitioners, Lois Yuhasz and Susan Galatz who are involved in coordinating Move Today programs.
For more information about the conference and how to register visit: www.njfoundationforaging.org/events.html or call 609-421-0206.