Health Success Stories

Kari Richie

By Kari Richie, Springmoor Health and Fitness Director

What does it mean to have a health success story? The health and fitness industry often relates success to weight loss. One of my objectives as the Health & Fitness Director is to help the residents and staff members at Springmoor understand they can have health successes no matter their age or what physical obstacle may be in their way. One definition of success is “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.” Nowhere in the definition of success does it mention perfection or accomplishing everything at once. Someone can be living with a chronic disease such as diabetes or heart disease and celebrate health success stories when they accomplish a goal like managing blood sugar or cholesterol.

H2O is the Way to Go!

Kari Richie

By Kari Richie, Springmoor Health and Fitness Director

This summer the Springmoor Health and Fitness department is teaming up with the dietitians from Sodexo, Springmoor’s food service provider, to encourage exercise and hydration! We will kick off our first Springmoor Triathlon Challenge and encourage healthy hydration at the Pathways Pool Party on Friday, July 11. Residents can enjoy a dip in the pool, a friendly game of water volleyball, and refreshments, delivered poolside!

Pathways Wellness focuses on prevention, which is why we are focusing on preventing dehydration this summer. Dehydration can be a serious problem for older adults and leads to confusion and illness. 

Water Exercises Give Seniors Increased Strength, Stimulation and Quality of Life

Kari Richie

By Kari Richie

Springmoor Health and Fitness Director

Swimming is not just for kids or vacationers at the beach. You can find Springmoor residents in the pool Monday through Saturday as they faithfully participate in water exercise. The residents are unique – ranging in age from 77 to 96—and living with various health conditions—ranging from arthritis and osteoporosis to hypertension and  spinal stenosis and joint replacements; but they have one thing in common – they love to exercise in the water!

As Springmoor’s Health & Fitness Director, why do I encourage residents to participate in water exercise? Five reasons: