Community partnerships increase scope on senior health and wellness
Senior health and wellness initiatives are becoming increasingly important to a number of community organizations, businesses, and educational institutions. San Jacinto College Continuing and Professional Development's Community Engagement division is partnering with a number of community and health organizations to offer free health and wellness workshops.
"We value our current partnerships and the new ones we're creating," said Dr. Janice Sullivan, CPD dean of community engagement. "This fall will focus on cancer and fall prevention for seniors. According to the National Council on Aging, every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall, and every 19 minutes a fall results in death for this age range. To address this need, CPD will host several health workshops, culminating in the Watch Your Step - Fall Prevention and Balance for Seniors Expo in November."
MD Anderson and the Kelsey Research Foundation are joining the College to bring the Active Living After Cancer program to local seniors. Funded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, this program offers support and resources not only for cancer survivors but for their caregivers as well.
"The program shows participants how to safely incorporate moderate physical activity back into their everyday lives and works with them to get additional resources for health-related issues," said Stacy Duriso, Kelsey Foundation certified senior community health worker.
Parsons House Assisted Living La Porte is also looking forward to bringing its specialized chair fitness class, "Scrambled Legs," to the College for seniors to improve balance and leg strength.
"Part of the Parsons House philosophy is to serve the senior population through community service," said Krista Adams, Parsons House director of marketing and community relations.
Below is a list of free health-related workshops offered during fall 2019. All workshops and classes will be held at the San Jacinto College Central Campus CPD Community Center at 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas 77505, in Building C1, Room C1.108:
Active Living After Cancer
ALAC aims to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors and their caregivers by promoting physical activity and providing resources for survivorship issues. Eligibility requirements include having a previous cancer diagnosis and must no longer be receiving chemotherapy or radiation (except hormone therapy) at the time of enrollment. The ALAC program at San Jacinto College runs on Tuesdays from Aug. 6-Oct. 15.
"Scrambled Legs" chair exercises
Parsons House Assisted Living La Porte will bring its fun chair exercise class to the College on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 12-1 p.m.
Community Fitness
CPD will host community fitness on Thursday, Sept. 6, and Friday, Oct. 4, from 12-1 p.m.
Wellness in Retirement
The Council on Recovery's Wellderly Program will conduct a four-part monthly workshop series on wellness in retirement. The workshops begin on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 12-1 p.m.
Watch Your Step - Fall Prevention and Balance for Seniors Expo
Join CPD Community Engagement on Nov. 21, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and more than 25 community partners bringing resources, information, and giveaways. This free event for adults ages 55+ will feature workshops led by health care professionals discussing how to reduce home fall risks, types of fall injuries, and the effects of medications on balance. The event will also feature live musical entertainment, free food, and prizes.
For more information about or to pre-register for these free San Jacinto College CPD workshops, call 281-478-3665 or email Community.Education@sjcd.edu.
