News Release                   For Immediate Release

May 27, 2004

June is Seniors Month ~ Workshop Planned

June is Seniors Month, an annual celebration in which we recognize the contributions that 1.54 million seniors make to the province of Ontario.

“Seniors have contributed so much and continue to contribute to the quality of life we enjoy today," said John Gerretsen, Minister Responsible for Seniors.  "Seniors Month provides an excellent opportunity to recognize and thank seniors for these contributions."

This year's theme is Active Living: Active in Mind, Body and Spirit.  Regardless of mobility or ability, seniors are active in an increasing number of ways. Increased activity leads to a healthier lifestyle and contributes to a healthy Ontario.

Although older adults live with chronic conditions they still manage to lead very full lives. Exercise for older adults is one way to enhance the quality of life.  A workshop "The Older Adult with Chronic Conditions: Who needs exercise?" will be held on Saturday, June 12 at the Walkerton Pentecostal Church, Hwy 9 South, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The $45 fee includes lunch and breaks.  This workshop for older adults, and those who work with older adults, will provide an overview of chronic conditions and how they affect the ability to exercise, how exercises can be modified and why exercise is needed.

The Community Coalition for the Prevention of Falls in Older Adults will host the workshop in partnership with Public Health, South Bruce Grey Health Services - Walkerton and Chesley sites, Hanover and District Hospital, and the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging.  Funding is provided by a "Stay on Your Feet" grant from the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation.

Topics will include:

·        Avoiding the ER - Karen Rhody, RN

·        Aging, Arthritis and the Older Adult - Dr. John Van Dorp

·        Diabetes - Lynda Bumstead, Dietitian

·        Stroke - Mary Solomon

·        Osteoporosis - Jackie Mersich

·        Alzheimers - Barbara Fox

·        Exercise How-To - Sharon Challis and Pat O'Neil

For further information call Public Health at 881-1920 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.”

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For more information:

·        Ontario Government Seniors site at www.gov.on.ca/citizenship/seniors

·        Marguerite Thomas, Public Health Nurse

Prevention of Falls Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit, Walkerton Office

881-1920 Ext. 246