MARCH 2020 Newsletter

Engage Wellness is the medically-based way to get and stay healthier

ENGAGE PARTICIPANT BEATS NATIONAL RECORD IN

CREIGHTON WOMEN’S ROWING COMPETITION

The key to aging well is all in one's attitude and maintaining an active

lifestyle. Nancy McCormick should know. Unlike many of her peers, the 85-year-old takes no medications,

has no chronic illnesses and boasts a heart rate of 60. Not only is she in great shape, but on Feb. 8

th, McCormick broke the

U.S. record for her age bracket in rowing -- she completed the 1,000

meter in 4:37.8. The previous U.S. record was 8 minutes. This is the second year in a row McCormick won and the first time she

broke the record. A retired nurse, McCormick has always lived an active lifestyle. She

grew up playing outdoors, canoeing for hours along the Boundary

Waters in Minnesota on family vacations, playing tennis in high school

and later golf in college, all for fun. It wasn't until her 40s that McCormick made a concerted effort to start running after reading an article

about the benefits of aerobic exercise. She and her late husband spent nearly the next 20 years running in road races. "We had so much fun," McCormick said. "We made new friends and ran in both the Boston and London

marathons." Eventually, though McCormick said she had to give up running when she had to get both knees replaced

and went back to playing tennis. Her interest in rowing incidentally came from a television ad for CrossFit. "I noticed that in every single ad there was a rowing machine," McCormick said. "It piqued my interest and

the more I read about it the more I thought, this sounds great, there is no pressure on the knees." McCormick began rowing at Engage Wellness three years ago. Her husband, Peter, also gave her a rowing machine for Christmas, so she could row at home, too. “It’s a marvelous exercise, you use all of your muscle groups," McCormick said. For the competition, McCormick trained over a period of 16 weeks with a coach from the Creighton

University Women's rowing team. She said she plans to continue to row at Engage, and at home, in an

attempt to hopefully win the world's record next year. "I feel really strong," McCormick said. "There are stereotypes of what aging looks like, but I think we will

see that change as we see more people who are very active going into their 90s."

{Article by Lisa Spellman, UNMC Media Specialist} Way to go, Nancy! You’re an inspiration to all of

us, and we’re SO proud of you!!

Nancy pictured with husband, Peter, and

her rowing Coach, Grace Rauh.

WELCOME

A warm welcome to new participants that joined our

Engage Wellness family in the month of February: Gloria S.,

Connie R., Bill K., Merilee K., Michelle U., Margaret N., Cookie B.,

Thomas G., Sue M., Dan M., Barbara M., Kristine C., Carolyn Z.,

Sheryl R., Julie G., Brenda C., Nick N., Penny D.

Thank You for choosing us to be part of your wellness journey!

“SPRING INTO WELLNESS”

ENROLLMENT SPECIAL!

New participants who enroll in March received half off enrollment!

Individual enrollment (normally $75.00 + tax) is $37.50 + tax = $40.13

Couple enrollment (normally $100.00 + tax) is $50.00 + tax = $53.50

Spread the word about the half off enrollment special. It’s a perfect

opportunity for those who want to get their spring wellness program off

to a great start. It’s a terrific value!!!

REFER ONE, GET ONE!

Attention participants, if you refer an individual that joins in the month

of March, you will get one month FREE!! Congratulations to June A.

who earns a free month of participation by referring a new member.

Nice job.

Dan W. - 900 Virginia D. - 400 Benny B. - 300 Pam B. - 100

Carol H. - 700 Craig B. - 400 Don S. - 209 Rick S. - 100

Jean R. - 600 Dale K. - 300 Maureen M. - 200 Bob B. - 100

Miriam S. - 600 Dan S. - 300 Becky S. - 100 Ann H. - 100

Congrats to the following participants who have achieved special attendance milestones at

Engage Wellness (as of February 23rd

, 2020).

AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM PRESENTED BY THE

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with Dementia

to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost.

Join us to learn about :

How to decode behavioral messages

Tips to identify common behavior triggers

Strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of

Alzheimer’s disease.

Friday, March 27th

12:30 – 1:30 pm

UNMC’s Engage Wellness Multi-Purpose Room

Please add your name to the sign-up sheet on the table across from the front desk. Thank you!

We’d like to send out a huge THANK YOU to Bonnie & Tabe DeVries for their

generous donation of the National Geographic Magazine collection from

1999—2019, along with the lovely bookshelf!!

This 20-year collection is located in the computer lab, so please feel free to enjoy

them while you’re here! (Please be sure to keep all of these magazines at Engage).

ADDITIONAL CIRCUIT CLASS ~ STARTING MARCH 3rd

!!

This intermediate-level class is a whole-body workout that provides stations for participants to rotate through, for a designated amount of time. Intensity options for

ALL of your muscles.

New sessions are Tuesday & Thursday 5:45 – 6:30PM

The class will be offered through the month of March. At the end of this period, class attendance will be reviewed to determine if the class will be continued.

UNDERSTANDING AND RESPONDING TO DEMENTIA-RELATED BEHAVIORS

Q&A SESSION WITH MIRIAM SWARD

Q: How long have you been coming to Engage Wellness?

A: I’ve been coming to Engage since 2015. My PT suggested that I used

recumbent machines, so that was a big reason I came here, as I knew

there was that option.

Q: What activities do you participate in?

A: I started out using some of the exercise machines, but then found that classes were better for me. I enjoy moving to music, so I love the Line Dancing, Let’s Move, Step, and Circuit classes. I also like to attend the Fitness Facts sessions, and I try to participate if there’s ever any research/volunteer opportunities with students that come here.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of Engage Wellness?

A: I love all of the staff, the participants, and the students that come sometimes. It’s such a friendly and positive atmosphere here. I like to learn new things, and to be challenged. I love the classes, and it’s nice how the instructors can modify and adapt things so that I can do what I’m able to. The instructors are so tolerant. I also enjoy meeting new people and the socialization aspect. I love to learn new things, so I appreciate the chance to be a research subject when I can, if a study is going on.

Q: How has your motivation to exercise changed, since you started coming here?

A: I have always been motivated to exercise, but now that I’m retired I can come twice a day, four times a week! It’s a reason to get out of the house every day, like it’s my new job. I have seen such an improvement in my muscle tone, and the ability to control my muscle pain and nerve spasms in my legs. That’s why I really like how I can adapt to classes and stop if my muscles start to spasm.

Q: What advice would you give other Engage participants, to help them achieve their fitness goals?

A: Be positive and be persistent! You’ll see such a difference as time goes by, so don’t base your success

off of day one. Stick to it and give it a chance! You’ll never know the rewards you’ll be able to achieve if

you don’t try. Also, keep learning new things. Coming to Engage improves so much more than just the

physical aspect.

Q: How has exercise help manage any chronic conditions?

A: It has truly changed my life! I would have never guessed I’d be able to be up and around all day, due to

the muscle and nerve pain. It doesn’t bother me as much as it used to. I feel stronger and have really

improved my balance. I used to have to stand by a table or post in the exercise room, to have

something besides my chair to hold onto. Classes have helped me immensely! It’s almost

unbelievable. The little things that I can do now are a HUGE deal to me!

Q: Any tips for successful aging you would like to share?

A: As mentioned before, surround yourself with positive people, keep learning, and come to Engage!!

A few facts about me:

I came to Omaha in 1966 to go to nursing school at Immanuel. I began my career as a nurse at the

University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1969. I worked at various clinics, with many different doctors, for

49 years. I retired in September 2018, so was able to start coming to Engage “full time”. I love the Pacific

Ocean in California, and my favorite place I’ve traveled to is Switzerland. I enjoy home décor sewing, and

have participated in craft sales. I currently volunteer at Film Streams. I love their marketing & distribution, so

help distribute materials to businesses in Aksarben Village. I also take tickets at the theaters sometimes.

Lastly, now that I’m retired, I love having more time to get together with all of my friends!

The 8 Dimensions of Wellness

Dimension Spotlight:

“Physical”

Physical Wellness recognizes the need for physical activity, sleep and nutrition.

Aerobic Activities

For substantial health benefits, adults need to do at least

150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity –OR–

75 minutes each week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity

*Aerobic activity should be performed for at least 10 minutes at a time, preferably spread

throughout the week.

Muscle Strengthening Activities

Muscle Strengthening should be done 2 or more days a week

All major muscle groups should be worked. That includes the legs, hips, back, abdomen,

chest, shoulders and arms.

Exercises for each muscle group should be repeated 8-12 times per set. As exercises

become easier, increase the weight or do another set.

Sleep Recommendations:

Adults (26-64 years old): Sleep range is 7-9 hours per night

Older adults (65+ years old): Sleep range is 7-8 hours per night

*Sleep quality: If your sleep is frequently interrupted, you're not getting quality sleep. The quality of your sleep is just as important as the quantity.

Healthy eating patterns include:

• A variety of vegetables from all of the

subgroups—dark green, red & orange, and

legumes (beans and peas).

• Fruits: especially whole fruits

• Grains: at least half of which are whole

grains

• Fat-free or low-fat dairy: including milk,

yogurt, cheese, and/or fortified soy beverages.

• A variety of protein foods: including seafood,

lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans

and peas), and nuts, seeds, and soy products.

Visit us online!

www.unmc.edu/engage

Volume 9, Issue 3, March 2020

Engage Wellness Staff

Elisha Buster - B.S.

Manager

402-552-7227

Heather Shafer - M.S.

Wellness Specialist

402-552-7229

Sara Huebert - B.S.

Wellness Specialist

402-552-7229

Chelsea Lewis - M.S.

Wellness Specialist

402-552-7229

Chris Kocol

Operations Assistant

402-552-7210

Turner MacPhee

P.T. Student/Work Study Employee

Jackson Matuella

P.T. Student/Work Study Employee

Tanner Wiebelhaus

P.T. Student/Work Study Employee

Cierra Wynn

Radiography Student/Work Study Employee

Engage Wellness Hours:

Monday thru Friday — 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturdays — 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

I’M LUCKY BECAUSE

We have so many things to be thankful for. Family, friends,

neighbors, our homes, good health, that fancy sports car. The list is

endless. Please bring a picture of someone or something that you

are lucky to have in your life. Turn your picture into the front desk

with your name on it, between March 2nd

and the 14th. Please no

pictures larger than 8 x 10 and they must be unframed. We will set

up a display for everyone to enjoy. We are so lucky!!!

MARCH 17th

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Daylight Saving Time begins at

2:00 AM on Sunday, March 8th

,

2020. Set your clocks ahead

one hour!!!.

Join us for the CyberCycle Madness

2020 Challenge, beginning March 10th

!

More information to follow!