Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Sponsors CATH Fitness Center

From CATH Fitness Center: Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham (BID–Needham) is the December sponsor for Center at the Heights (CATH) Fitness Center. The sponsorship, which covers the basic monthly costs to operate the fitness facility, is part of BID–Needham’s ongoing community benefits program that strives to improve the health of the community in the areas of chronic disease prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, healthy aging and behavioral health.

BID–Needham is sponsoring the program as a way to promote an active lifestyle, which can offer many physical and mental benefits to the large and growing aging population in Needham, including fall prevention, chronic disease prevention, improved mood and increased social interaction. The hospital refers some local seniors to the CATH Fitness Center after they complete physical therapy at BID–Needham.

“Often when patients complete physical therapy, they are encouraged to continue with a home program on their own or at a more structured environment such as a health club, the YMCA, or community based programs,” said Karen Foulkrod, PT, Director of Rehabilitation Services at BID–Needham. “The Fitness Center at the Needham Senior Center provides a great opportunity for the Needham community to exercise in a safe, supervised, low cost environment.”

The Fitness Center at the CATH was designed for the senior population in Needham. In addition to ensuring that the equipment is used properly and that exercises are performed correctly to prevent injury, fitness professionals are also available during all open hours to help structure exercise programs to meet the needs and abilities of the senior population.

The Friends of the Needham Elderly (FONE), a fundraising group for the Council on Aging, is facilitating a monthly sponsorship of the facility and are looking for community partners who believe in the mental and physical benefits of exercise for the aging population to sponsor this initiative. Any interested sponsors, or for more information on the CATH Fitness Center hours and offerings, please contact the Center at the Heights at 781-455-7555, ext 209.

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