Introduction
Assemblymember Nily Rozic recently visited the SelfHelp Fresh Meadows retirement community’s annual barbecue to celebrate a state grant that is facilitating one of their popular wellness programs.
What is Wellness Wednesdays?
The $50,000 in funding secured by the eastern Queens legislator helped create “Wellness Wednesdays,” a program that older adults eagerly anticipate. The program includes visits from a nutritionist who shares insights about using food as a tool to combat chronic illness. Participants can raise questions and concerns in both group and one-on-one meetings, leaving with new health recipes.
Community Impact
Over 330 residents, all over the age of 60, make up the community that receives supportive services while continuing to live comfortably at home. The Selfhelp Community Services Fresh Meadows NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) is located on 192nd Street and 67th Avenue in Fresh Meadows. It is one of many SelfHelp facilities offering services such as case management, health screenings, and social services across the five boroughs.
Statements from Key Figures
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is imperative for our older adults,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “This grant provides social, nutritional, and physical activities for the residents of Fresh Meadows and allows them to continue aging healthily in their homes. I am proud to continue to fund critical programs such as ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ and work in partnership with SelfHelp in providing resources and space for our seniors.”
Katie Foley, Managing Director of External Affairs at Selfhelp Community Services, expressed gratitude to the Assemblywoman for the state grant and her ongoing support of the Fresh Meadows NORC. “Her significant funding ensured that NORC members had access to consistent health and wellness resources, including the popular ‘Wellness Wednesday’ program, which included nutritionists, exercise classes, and wellness programs. The program has brought older residents together to foster a healthier and more vibrant Fresh Meadows community,” said Foley.
Personal Stories
One NORC member, who requested to be named with just her initials, shared the positive impact that the “Wellness Wednesdays” program has had on managing her health conditions. “The Nutrition Class with Anna has provided valuable information with demonstrations of easy-to-implement changes that enhance your overall well-being,” said M.R., who has been meeting with the nutritionist one-on-one on a weekly basis since the program started.
Regularly meeting with a nutritionist has helped her lead a more wellness-oriented lifestyle with specific guidance on managing insulin resistance, hormone imbalance, and weight loss. “I look forward to this class every week because I learn something new each time and have been exposed to different types of healthy food choices and snacks that I would have never tried or thought of on my own,” said M.R. She added that while the recommended nutritional changes appear to be small, they have been incredibly effective.
Conclusion
The Wellness Wednesdays program is making a significant difference in the lives of older adults in the Fresh Meadows community, helping them lead healthier and more active lives.
For more information, visit the original article on QNS.
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