Beatitudes Community

Hello Beatitudes!

I was asked to write my first article while Jon Schilling was on vacation.  Since I’m one of the newest full time employees, I thought that it would be best for me to take this opportunity to introduce myself to Beatitudes Campus.

I am a personal fitness instructor, certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine since 1996.  I worked as a fitness instructor in various Health Clubs and Medical Clinics. Most of that time I worked at Mountain Shadows Resort and Golf Club in Paradise Valley.

I am a new full time employee, but I am not new to this campus.  Many of you know me from my previous positions.  I started working here for Beatitudes at Home in July, 2012.

I later became the group instructor in the Functional Fitness class.

I left Beatitudes at Home to work in a physical therapy clinic in 2013 for two years, but I continued to be the instructor for the Functional Fitness class.

From the beginning, I made it clear that I enjoyed working with the people in this environment and that I wanted to work here full time.  The average age of my fitness clients, over the course of my 20 year career, has always been 50+ years old.

My new position title is Fitness Specialist.  My duties include Fitness Center Attendant, Personal Fitness Instructor and Group Fitness Instructor.

Now that I am here full time, I will channel all of my studies into fitness training for residents 65 years and older.   This means that I will find the best ways to address age related physical illnesses and injuries.

I am gathering as much literature on dementia as I can find, so I can create effective workout strategies that best serve residents who may suffer from this terrible disease.  I also want to be able to offer useful tips to help friends, relatives and caregivers to communicate with them through troubling times.

The physical therapists who work on campus are wonderful!  I have a good relationship with them.  Residents who have suffered from an illness or injury that work with the campus therapists may want to extend their physical rehabilitation long after they have been discharged.  I can do one on one fitness sessions to extend the physical therapist’s treatment strategies within my limitations as a Certified Fitness Trainer.  It has been three months since I have been a full time employee on Campus.  I DO NOT need any more time to analyze my decision to take this position.  I already concluded that I made the BEST decision to join this team.

I feel very comfortable with the staff and the residents.  I enjoy getting opportunities to share laughs with everyone, especially when I “goof up” during my fitness classes.

If I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet, please stop me in the hallways, come to one of my fitness classes or stop by the Fitness Center.  I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!

Half-Way Through the Month Already?!

As time waits for no one, and the month of June is halfway gone, there are still some events to keep on the lookout for:

The Old Spaghetti Factory, Phoenix

The Old Spaghetti Factory, Phoenix

We have lunch trips to Olive Garden and The Old Spaghetti Factory coming up, our monthly birthday party featuring guest entertainer, Rohonda Voht, and our Pet Chat and Blessing.

 

Open Game Room Event

Open Game Room Event

Open Game Room will be taking place on Saturday, June 25th in the Plaza View Lobby from 12-4PM. This is an opportunity for anyone to use the PV Lobby during this time to meet with friends, family or group and play their favorite board games. We are encouraging you to use this space, as it is blocked off for folks so that you do not need to set up a room reservation or find a place that isn’t being used. You can bring a game of your own or choose from our selection. Join in on some good ol’ fun!

Our very first Pet Chat and Blessing takes place on Thursday, June 30th in the Recreation Center from 10:30AM-12:00PM. This is your chance to share unique stories about your pet and how you ended up with your furry friend. We all know that pets turn into family. Why not share that with other pet lovers? A Pet Blessing (upon your request) will be after the chat. Pets are welcome during our chat, but we ask that if you have a cat, having a cat carrier may be best. Otherwise, a picture to share is recommended, but not required.

As Town Hall has been moved to Wednesday, June 29th, I want to remind you that Gregory’s Farmers Market will also be here on this day! Take this time and grab all your fruits and veggies for a great price!

Keep on the lookout for events and outings for July! Trips to the Arizona Science Center, AMC Theater at Westgate, Arrowhead Mall, Adult Coloring and more are all in store! For any questions on upcoming events or if you have a suggestion, stop by or slip a note in the Idea Box located in the Recreation Center. *

Pets Keep Us Happy and Healthy

Pets can play an important role in our lives. As we grow older, knowing that you’re loved, or that someone cares about you, isn’t necessarily enough, and that need to feel needed-and appreciated for what you do-increases. Pets fulfill this need because they depend on their owners for care and attention. In return, the pets offer love and unqualified approval.

Studies have documented that petting a dog or cat lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients and that older people show improved alertness when caring for a pet. Pets often seem to be especially valuable for some people experiencing major life changes, such as illness or the loss of a loved one.

Depression can often be avoided. Pets also encourage their owners to be more physically active by playing with them or taking them on a walk. Pets amuse us, make us laugh and improve our overall morale.

Pet owners tend to remain more interested in events in their community and in their surroundings. They are not as lonely as perhaps they once were. They prevent or reduce absent-mindedness or bewilderment by communicating the sense of time and by maintaining a rhythm of the day. They help us to “Forget oneself and one’s problems” and to “live one’s free time in a meaningful and interesting way”. Animals are wonderful, courageous little souls, and with that being said, I invite all of you to our first Resident Dog Show where residents will be showcasing their dogs to everyone. You will hear a little about each pet, how they ended up with them and what makes them special. We will have 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners who will be judged by 3 residents. We hope to see you at the Dog Run/Park on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 10AM to see some of the amazing pets that fulfill the lives of their owners. *

Arizona Science Center IMAX D’Day

June 6, 1944: The largest Allied operation of World War II began in Normandy, France.

Yet, few know in detail exactly why and how, from the end of 1943 through August 1944, this region became the most important location in the world. Blending multiple cinematographic techniques, including animation, CGI and stunning live action images, D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944 brings this monumental event to the world’s largest screens for the first time ever. Audiences of all ages, including new generations, will discover from a new perspective in breathtaking IMAX® 3D how this landing changed the world. Exploring history, military strategy, science, technology and human values, the film will educate and appeal to all. Narrated by Tom Brokaw, D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944 pays tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. A duty of memory, a duty of gratitude. Not rated. Runtime: 45 min.