At St. Rita’s, we understand not everyone feels at ease in a hospital setting. That’s why we take medical care to where people will find it convenient, safe and easy to access. By opening up the center in the Lima Mall, during mall hours, St. Rita’s and the YWCA discovered they could easily reach those residents who might not access the medical care they need – like the elderly. To better serve their specific needs, the center offers Senior Day the first Tuesday of every month. Senior Day is free and offers those 55 and older important information on health topics they are interested in. Participants receive complimentary health screenings to help them monitor conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol. It’s an opportunity for them to ask questions and get answers from people they have come to trust and rely on. It also serves as a comfortable setting for them to meet other people. Another popular program at the Healthy Lifestyles Center is the Mall Walkers Club. The group, made up of active older adults, walk the corridors of the mall before most businesses open. The Healthy Lifestyles Center is there to help them track their mileage and monitor their blood pressure. The nurses administer an average of 700 blood pressure checks each month for the walkers, provide educational programs and healthy refreshments. The center also provides other not-for-profit organizations like the American Cancer Society, Arthritis and Diabetes foundations, the American Lung Association, Girl Scouts and the Council on Aging free access to hold classes and educational events for the public. |
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