The new Dyna-Band exercise program was introduced to seniors and sponsored by "All About Health" Boone Memorial Hospital (Working for a Healthy Community), April 17, at the Wharton Community Center.

The seniors each received a packet that included a Dyna-Band (Resistive Fitness Band) and Exercise Guide, Step Counter, and information on health provided with health tips.

Dyna-Band is an elastic band that is easy to use and simple and effective for seniors. The seniors who came out experienced first-hand the new exercise program and each one received a free Dyna-Band to take home, as well as a free exercise Dyna-Band Guide illustrating 16 exercises and general guidelines for the use of the fitness band.

This is the first Dyna-Band exercise program in Boone County, Chair Karlie Price of "All About Health" said. "This is an exercise program offered to our seniors, and it is an opportunity to show them how to stay healthy through physical activity."

"All About Health" members attending and helping with the event were Patty Jo Brammer, Tracy Lambert, and Roger and Audra Cook. Also, two Rural Health Educational Partnership (RHEP) medical school students from West Virginia University, James Namsupak and Jessica Tate, instructed and lead the exercises of the Dyna-Band, as well as offering health tips to the seniors.

The health tips to the seniors were to walk and take the stairs, even if it is just one flight, have a good attitude, make realistic goals for yourself and achieve them, have a good role model, reward yourself for accomplishments you achieve, and good nutrition.

Don't eat because you are stressed out, but eat because you are hungry. It is important to watch portion control of meals, don't super size them, cut something out of your daily menu, and drink plenty of water. If you're hungry, eat fruits and vegetables. Ask your doctor questions. Get regular check-ups. It's your health.

"If I care about your health, then you should really care about your health," WVU medical student Namsupak said. "You need to know your medication, make a list, and keep up annual screenings."

A question was asked from one of the seniors regarding how often to exercise. He replied at least three times a week. He also offered more information about walking. He continued to stress to the seniors the importance of walking. If you walk unsteadily, find something to steady yourself. You can start out 5-10 minutes a day walking. If that is too much, cut back. If it is not enough, increase.

"All About Health" members Roger and Audra Cook were on hand to give each of the seniors a File of Life packet, sponsored by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of United Way, of Central W. Va.

A personal, medical home file, prepared for emergency first responders, is designed so personnel can get your information about your daily medication and your health history. The File of Life helps emergency personnel to act faster so you can receive treatment quickly. It tells them what medications you are taking and what medications you are allergic to.

"It is an easy access of your information and gives you peace of mind," Cook said.

Door prizes were also awarded to the seniors throughout the event. "All About Health" members and seniors enjoyed a nutritional lunch together.

PICTURE 1: “All About Heath” members and seniors at the Wharton Community Center participated in the new dyna-Band program introduced to help seniors with exercising. 

PICTURE 2: Rural Health Educational Partnership (RHEP) medical school students from West Virginia University JAMES NAMSUPAK and JESSICA TATE led the seniors in various exercises using the Dyna-Band, including the bicep curl.