Write a commentThe Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a division of SUNY Oswego's Office of Business and Community Relations, offers the "Osteo Bone Builders" program which consists of an exercise regimen to help keep seniors out long term care facilities and restore bone loss.
The Osteo Bone Builders classes are held bi-weekly at 23 sites in Oswego County. They are lead by RSVP volunteers, who are certified in techniques developed by Research Scientists at Tufts University.
At RSVP's most recent training held last fall, Jerry Palazzo, trainer from the Washington D.C. area stated, "There are two exercises that will keep seniors out of nursing homes. The 'Push Ups' enable you to eat by yourself and the 'Chair Stands' will allow you to use the toilet independently. These two exercises practiced regularly help seniors live independent lives."
The RSVP sponsored classes are self-paced and ensure the program itself does not increase stress or cause pain. Thus, the program starts off gently and builds gradually as strength increases. In addition, the sessions are meant to be FUN — you'll get to know other participants, learn (and share) information that can protect your health, and hopefully increase your confidence and independence.
The exercises used in this program are designed to rebuild bone density and improve balance through weight training and exercise. They help protect against fractures caused by Osteoporosis by increasing muscular strength, balance and bone density. The educational format covers lifestyle choices, drug therapies and nutritional information, all of which have an impact in controlling Osteoporosis.
Prior to joining a class, prospective participants are encouraged to observe a class. Informational brochures, literature and medical forms are available at all sites, along with instructors who are available to answer questions. There are no mandatory fees for the classes; rather a suggested donation ($.50 per session). There are no age restrictions. Sessions are available for people of all ages and abilities with physician approval.
Nationally, RSVP is part of a nation-wide network of Senior Corps programs, sponsored by the Corporation for National & Community Service. Each of the 700+ RSVP programs in the United States is sponsored by a non-profit agency. RSVP is sponsored locally by SUNY Oswego and The United Way. For more information on programming and/or to receive Mature Living, call the office at 312-2317 or email: rsvp@oswego.edu.
Current Osteo Bone Builders Sites:
APW
West Amboy Church M W F 9-10a
Parish Library M TH 4:45-5:45p
Central Square
Constantia VFW M W F 10-11a
Municipal Bldg. Hastings M W F 9:30-10:30a
Cleveland American Legion M W F 10-11a
West Monroe Town Hall M W F 10-11a
Fulton
Fulton YMCA T TH 11a-12p
Meadowbrook Estates M W 10-11a
Towpath Towers T TH 10:45-11:45a
Fulton Mills T TH 11:00-12:00p
Hannibal
American Legion T TH 9:45-10:45a
Mexico
1st United Methodist M W F 10-11a
New Haven Town Hall M W F 9:00-10:00a
Palermo Town Hall M TH 9:30-10:30a
Oswego
First United Methodist (104W) T TH 10-11a
Minetto United Methodist T TH 10:30-11:30a
Oswego YMCA T TH 1-2p
Scriba Justice Center M W 9:30-10:30a
Simeon Dewitt T TH 10:15-11:15a
Springside at Seneca Hill T TH 4-5p
Phoenix
Schroeppel Town Hall T TH 10-11a
Lysander Station #1 T TH 9-10a
Pulaski/Sandy Creek
Park St. Methodist Church M TH 10-11a
