Health Department celebrates second year of SilverSneakers
Harrison News-Herald Sports Writer
CADIZ — Now celebrating the second anniversary, the Harrison County Health Department is proud to announce the beginning of their 2023 “SilverSneakers” exercise program.
The Health Department started the SilverSneakers program in June of 2021 as a response to a need observed in the community-based Community Health Assessment. The program serves as a strategy to improve community health through increased physical activity opportunities.This year’s class is already in session and is one of the largest attended exercise programs with over 33 members. Classes are held Monday through Thursday from10 a.m. through 11 a.m.
“The Community Health Assessment was the catalyst for the program,” said Deputy Health Commissioner Katie Norris. “SilverSneakers was a vision of the Health Department before the COVID19 Pandemic, and it is both remarkable and rewarding that it is here celebrating its second anniversary! Our nursing staff works hard to organize routines, and this wonderful group of participants makes the program so special. We hope participation continues to grow and that SilverSneakers continues for many years to come!”
The SilverSneakers program classes consist of multiple exercise types and are largely based off input from class participants. The Health Department nursing division staff are certified instructors for the program. While the classes are designed for people over the age of 60, anyone of any age and fitness level is highly encouraged to attend.
Classes are free, and all equipment is supplied by the health department. The program also offers attendance incentives, such as personalized water bottles, T-shirts, and other articles.
Megan Smolenak, health commissioner, added, “I attended one of the classes when I first started at the Health Department and the participants were all so helpful and welcoming.”
“Seeing the class in person showed how much the community and the instructors enjoy the program and I hope to see it grow in the coming months, especially with the expansion to a new Scio location,” she continued.
The Health Department partners with Harrison Hills City School District (allowing use of the Stephenson Center Gym), Scott United Methodist Church, and the Puskarich Public Libraries (allowing use of the Barr Memorial Gym) for use of class space. The Health Department has its own “SilverSneakers program- Harrison County, Ohio” Facebook page for posting class schedules and updates. However, anyone is welcome to call the Health Department at 740-942-2616 for more information.
Wednesday’s instructor Teresa Koniskiwas was able to get a couple of participants to give their opinion of the exercise program. Participant Cindy Sutherland said, “These classes are the highlight of my week and I feel so much better physically since I started coming to them.”
Pam Fehr said, “These classes have really improved my flexibility and I’m glad I started attending.”
