# Presentation: 061633

## Special Needs Fitness ProgramProvena St. Mary’s HospitalTotal Wellness

**Kelly Hull-Wellness Coordinator**
**Michael Grimsley MPH,CSCS**
**Director**

## History

- Provena Health is a Catholic health system officially formed December 1, 1997 by uniting the health-related services of three Roman Catholic religious congregations.
- The congregations and organizations they sponsored are:
- Francisan Sisters of the Sacred Heart
- Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, Holy Family Province, USA
- Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

## Provena Health Mission

-    Provena Health, a Catholic health System, builds communities of healing and hope by compassionately responding to human need in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

## Needs of those with disabilities

- Being overweight is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases including heart disease, Type II diabetes, and arthritis (Leon et al., 1996; Manson et al., 1990)
- People with Disabilities are less likely to engage in regular physical activity compared to the general population (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2004)

## Needs of those with disabilities

- Many people with disabilities are limited in their physical activities due to the lack of appropriate equipment designed to promote health in fitness centers or at home (Rimmer et al., 2004)
- A comprehensive strength-training program could provide these individuals greater ability, mobility and confidence to help overcome physical barriers (American College of Sports Medicine, 1998)

## The Provena Wellness Team

- Degreed in Exercise Science, Nutrition & Athletic Training
- Certified by NSCA, AFAA & ACE
- Specializing in fitness for individuals with special needs

## The Partnerships

- PSMH Wellness Center
- Kankakee County Training Center
- Chamness Square
- Kankakee River Valley Special Recreation Association (RVSRA)

## Kankakee County Training Center 

- K.C.T.C. operates a non-profit business whose mission is to provide adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to acquire skills necessary to become more productive, contributing members of their community.

## KCTC

- K.C.T.C. was founded in 1966 by a group of parents of adults with developmental disabilities. The center began in a one-room schoolhouse and has grown to serve the needs of over 260 adults with developmental disabilities. K.C.T.C. now consists of two vocational workshops, rehabilitation department, nine CILA homes (with two more on the way,) a recycling center, a job placement program, senior's day program, the Bag 'n Tag product and a volunteer program.

## River Valley Special Recreation Association (RVSRA) 

- RVSRA provides specifically designed recreation experience for individuals with disabilities or special needs.  The RVSRA is an association formed through a cooperative agreement between the Kankakee Valley Park District, Bourbonnais Township Park District, and Limestone Park District to provide community cased Therapeutic Recreation to these individuals.

## The Action

- •	Off-site group aerobics class
- •	Individuals becoming members
- •	Pilot program consisted of 10-20 residents of Chamness Square attending the fitness center 1 time per week for 45 minutes of supervised exercise.
- •	KCTC residents attend the center twice a week
- •	Word spreads leading to more individuals joining the “group”

## The Action

- 30 minutes of cardiovascular training
- 15 minutes treadmill
- 15 minutes Aerodyne Bike
- 15 minutes of group resistance training
- Full Body Body Bar Exercises
- Full Body Resistance Tubing Exercises
- Full Body Dumbbell Exercises

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## The Results

- Weight Loss
- Increased Strength
- Increased mobility
- Increased social interaction
- Positive attitude towards exercise
- Awareness of healthier lifestyle

## The Future

- Community awareness has opened the door for other families
- Additional fitness classes to be offered
- More in depth exercise prescriptions
- Assistance in Special Olympics training
- More specialized fitness equipment

## Questions?

**Go White Sox!**