EARH offering free healthcare classes to area residents

Improving mental and physical wellness is a primary focus of East Adams Rural Healthcare. As part of the focus on complete body health, EARH is offering complimentary classes for residents to attend to improve their overall wellness.

Every Thursday, area residents are invited to attend a mental fitness class, Grey Matters, at 2 p.m. Speech Pathologist Deborah Reynolds is the instructor for the class, which focuses on mental sharpness and improving cognitive abilities.

During each class, there are a variety of fun activities to keep participants engaged and strengthening their mental abilities. Activities include riddles, reasoning exercises, trivia and word games.

“The goal is to have fun, make some friends and boost your brain power,” Reynolds stated.

While the class is directed to seniors, all age groups are welcome to attend to improve their mental fluidity. Reynolds said the class uses familiar phrases, but challenges the group in order to improve each week.

There are currently around nine individuals who attend the hour-long class on a weekly basis, but Reynolds said there is always room for more.

There are prizes and snacks provided at each class, and Reynolds explained the primary purpose is for participants to have fun while improving their mental sharpness.

EARH also provides Staying Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) classes on Mondays and Wednesdays. The classes will resume in August, and the instructor is Physical Therapist Erin Ribic.

The classes begin at 2 p.m., and the primary focus is on balance and strength. Ribic explained the purpose of the class is to address cognitive and physical abilities, while improving general health and keeping individuals active and strong.

Ribic explained the class also focuses on flexibility and balance, in order to help improve daily life for the participants.

The SAIL classes began last October, and provide an opportunity for community members to focus on their wellbeing and improving their health. The class allows participants to improve on their mental and physical strength in order to live independent, healthy lifestyles.

The program is federally directed, and Ribic has attended classes to receive a certification to instruct the course.

Both classes are held in the conference room at EARH, and are open to the public.

Members of the EARH Physical Therapy department are hoping to expand classes offered to community members, as well as partner with other local health groups to offer a diversity of health courses. The goal is to offer educational wellness classes to improve the healthcare of residents in the area.

For more information, contact the Physical Therapy department at 659-5408 or visit http://earh.org.